Researchers propose an image-based modeling method to reconstruct inhomogeneous single-scattering participating media with high-frequency details, reducing complexity compared to traditional methods. The approach uses volumetric data and optical properties to describe density distribution and preserves fine details.
A team of researchers led by Rensselaer Professor Suvranu De has won a $2.3 million federal grant to develop a touch-sensitive virtual reality simulator for training and certifying laparoscopic surgeons. The new system will employ haptic technology to realistically replicate the sensation a surgeon would feel during an actual procedure.
A new study demonstrates that a first-person perspective of a life-sized virtual human female body can generate a body transfer illusion, where subjects experience ownership of the virtual body. This finding contradicts previous research assuming visuotactile synchrony as the critical factor in ownership illusions.
A study found that virtual reality gaming using the Wii system improves motor function in stroke patients, with significant speed and grip strength gains. The Wii technology activated mirror neurons involved in brain plasticity, enabling effective rehabilitation.
Outfielders may not predict a ball's landing point based on its flight path, but instead track the ball's motion to catch it. The study found that outfielders adjust their movements depending on the ball's elevation angle and bearing.
A study published in CyberPsychology and Behavior found that smokers who crushed virtual cigarettes in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence compared to those who grasped virtual balls. The treatment group stayed in the program longer, with higher rates of smo...
Scientists have developed a new virtual reality headset that can stimulate all five senses, including sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The 'Virtual Cocoon' aims to provide fully immersive perceptual experiences with optimal sensory interaction.
Researchers developed a computer system architecture that can recognize human gestures, enabling people with physical disabilities to interact with computers. The system uses datagloves with illuminated LEDs tracked by webcams to monitor hand or shoulder movements.
Researchers are exploring alternative energy solutions and innovative approaches to medicine. Virtual reality technology is being used to create realistic 3D presentations on mobile devices, while a new method for measuring brain function during surgery could improve outcomes.
Research using virtual reality found that nearly 40% of participants experienced paranoid thoughts, with anxiety and depression also prevalent. The study suggests that paranoia is more common than thought and can be triggered by social interactions.
Brown University researchers found that subjects who had access to optic flow adapted faster and made it to virtual targets more easily than those without. The study suggests that optic flow plays a crucial role in navigating through environments.
Researchers used virtual reality to manipulate bodily self-consciousness, demonstrating that spatial unity and bodily self-awareness depend on brain mechanisms. The study indicates that humans' sense of the embodied self relies on brain activity at the temporo-parietal junction.
Researchers used VR goggles to induce out-of-body-like experiences in healthy people, suggesting a disconnect between brain circuits that process sensory information may be responsible. The findings help solve the question of how we perceive our own bodies and may have implications for training people to perform delicate tasks remotely.
C6 is a 10-foot by 10-foot virtual reality cube that immerses users in computer-generated 3-D images and eight channels of audio. The upgraded room now projects more than twice the resolution produced by any other VR room, with 100 million pixels.
A modified home video game system has been developed to aid stroke patients in performing hand exercises, utilizing virtual reality and traditional therapy techniques. The system, costing less than $600, promotes engaging patients and provides immediate feedback on performance.
Researchers found that goalkeepers are unable to accurately predict the trajectory of a spinning football, relying on the ball's current heading direction. The study suggests that inherent limitations in the human visual system hinder this ability.
A Case School of Engineering professor is using virtual reality to train brain and heart surgeons, reducing learning time and allowing independent practice. He aims to expand minimally invasive techniques to complex surgeries, virtually eliminating the need for heart/lung machines.
Researchers developed a virtual reality system using 3D echocardiography to analyze heart defects. Ten heart specialists successfully diagnosed healthy and unhealthy hearts within minutes, showcasing the technology's potential for better understanding cardiac anatomy.
The Marine Corps has created a dedicated virtual-reality training system for its assault amphibian vehicles, allowing for increased training capabilities due to range and ammunition supply constraints. The Virtual Environment Assault Amphibian Vehicle (VEAAV) training system was developed by a Navy-Marine Corps team in just six months.
Researchers are investigating virtual reality therapy as a potential treatment for acute post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in active-duty military members. The therapy aims to provide innovative tools and techniques for early intervention and treatment of PTSD symptoms, including those related to combat.
A virtual reality game has been found to significantly reduce pain responses in children with severe burns, with all but one child showing a decrease of at least 2 points on the Faces Scale. The game was more effective than analgesics alone in reducing pain and anxiety.
Researchers found that virtual reality significantly reduces pain-related brain activity, with drops of up to 97%. The study used specialized magnetic resonance imaging to track brain activity and showed a significant change in conscious perception of pain when virtual reality was used.
The Virtual Haptic Back system uses a sophisticated haptic interface to simulate the sensation of touching a human back. Medical students can practice palpation skills on simulated backs, improving their ability to diagnose dysfunctions and address two major challenges in osteopathic doctor training.
Researchers found that simulated games in virtual reality boosted children's belief in their abilities, regardless of their physical limitations. The therapy also gave them a chance to succeed in types of play they might have difficulty accessing otherwise.
The Keck Center for Active Visualization in Earth Sciences will enable geologists to build and test large-scale models of the Earth's interior. The facility will allow researchers to interact with their data in a more realistic way, using virtual reality tools developed by UC Davis researchers.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that virtual reality interventions significantly reduced symptom distress and fatigue in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Participants reported a decrease in nausea and vomiting, as well as improved mental state, after using the technology.
The LiveActor system uses optical motion capture and stereo projection to create a fully immersive environment, enabling users to interact with virtual characters and objects in unprecedented ways. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries such as entertainment, education, and therapy.
A new virtual reality-based rehabilitation system was developed by Rutgers researchers, providing intensive therapy and improving range of motion, finger speed, and strength for patients with chronic stroke hand impairment. The treatment showed significant improvements after just three weeks of use.
University of Michigan geologist Peter van Keken uses virtual reality to explore Earth's inner reaches, discovering new patterns and relationships. He aims to advance research into plate tectonics and mantle mixing using this immersive technology.
Researchers at University of Warwick develop Cybersphere, a VR system that allows users to move freely in virtual environments. The technology combines high power projectors and rotation sensors to provide a fully immersive visual experience.
Volunteers use virtual reality helmet and computer program to take actions like turning on TV or stereo by simply wishing it so, in breakthrough study that may someday enable patients with extreme paralysis to regain control of their surroundings
Researchers have developed virtual reality technology to evaluate mental health problems, including Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairments. The study found that virtual reality tests showed no significant gender differences in performance.
Researchers used virtual reality to visualize the Earth's electromagnetic tail, a challenging problem for astrophysicists. They discovered that charged particles follow a moebius strip path, which they confirmed using 3D imaging equipment.
The new method allows engineers to visualize how changes in their designs will affect design requirements. Graph morphing enables designers to see the trade-offs between different design variables, making it easier to understand relationships between subsystems.
The University of Illinois is teaching grade-school kids how to cross streets safely using virtual reality technology. The study aims to find out which learning strategies are most effective for children with and without disabilities, as well as whether skills learned through VR can be generalized to real-life situations.
Law enforcement teams can practice responding to hostage situations using a virtual reality simulation called VRaptor. The simulation allows participants to determine who are the hostages and save them, take prisoner those kidnappers who surrender, and shoot those who fire weapons.