This collection of essays introduces the reader to the technology of virtual reality and examines the impact of this technology on humans. Among the topics discussed are eye-tracking, tactile and kinesthetic input, spatial displays, interface design, and applications in medicine and aerospace.

PART I: Introduction to Virtual Environments 1: Tom Furness and Woodrow Barfield: Introduction to Virtual Environments and Advanced Interface Design 2: Steve Ellis: Origins and Elements of Virtual Environments PART II: Virtual Environment Technologies Virtual Environment Modeling 3: Mark Green and Hanqui Sun: Computer Graphics Modeling for Virtual Environments 4: William Bricken and Jeff Coco: The VEOS Project Visual Displays 5: Elizabeth Davis and Larry Hodges: Human Stereopsis, Fusion, and Stereoscopic Virtual Environments 6: Dean Kocian and Lee Task: Visually Coupled Systems Hardware and Human Interface 7: Eye Tracking in Advanced Interface Design PART III: Auditory Displays 8: Michael Cohen and Elizabeth M. Wenzel: The Design of Multidimensional Sound Interfaces Haptic Displays 9: PaulBach-y-Rita and Kurt Kaczmarek: Tactile Displays 10: Blake Hannaford and Steve Venema: Kinesthetic Displays for Remote and Virtual Environments 11: Scott MacKenzie: Input Devices and Interaction Techniques for Advanced Computing PART 3: Integration of Technology 12: Woodrow Barfield, Tom Sheridan, David Zeltzer, and Mel Slater: Presence and Performance Within Virtual Environments 13: Christopher Wickens and Polly Baker: Cognitive Issues in Virtual Reality 14: Woodrow Barfield, Craig Rosenberg,and Wouter Lotens: Augmented-Reality Displays Index

"Fourteen chapters, each written by different authors and covering different topics related to virtual environments, make up this book. Despite the authors' different styles, the content hangs together remarkably well, and it becomes apparent that there is a wealth of information in this book. The book is divided into three sections: an introductory section of two chapters presents a history and overview of the field; a technology section of nine chapters contains the bulk of the material; and a final section contains two chapters relating to psychology and one relating to augemented-reality displays ... This work is a must-have reference for anyone entering the field. It presents enough depth to help readers understand each topic while providing sufficient reference material to permit them to delve further."--Computing Reviews "Fourteen chapters, each written by different authors and covering different topics related to virtual environments, make up this book. Despite the authors' different styles, the content hangs together remarkably well, and it becomes apparent that there is a wealth of information in this book. The book is divided into three sections: an introductory section of two chapters presents a history and overview of the field; a technology section of nine chapters contains the bulk of the material; and a final section contains two chapters relating to psychology and one relating to augemented-reality displays ... This work is a must-have reference for anyone entering the field. It presents enough depth to help readers understand each topic while providing sufficient reference material to permit them to delve further."--Computing Reviews