**1. Introduction**

20 Virtual Reality and Environments

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Virtual Reality (VR) technology enables users to interact with three-dimensional data, providing a potentially powerful interface to both static and dynamic information (Ausburn & Ausburn, 2003; Ausburn & Ausburn, 2004; Baieier, 1993; Onyesolu, 2011; Onyesolu & Eze, 2011). VR has existed in various forms since its inception. It has been known by names such as synthetic environment, cyberspace, artificial reality, simulator technology and so on and so forth before VR was eventually adopted (Onyesolu, 2006; Onyesolu & Eze, 2011). Though VR has existed from the late 1960s, its latest manifestation, desktop screen-based semiimmersive type which made its first appearance in entertainment industry, has made it come within the realm of possibility for general creation and use. As a result of proliferation of desktop VR, the technology has continued to develop applications that are less than fully immersive. These non-immersive VR applications are far less expensive and technically daunting and have made inroads into industry training and development.

There have been a lot of advances in VR and VR is being applied in all areas of human endeavor (Onyesolu, 2009a; Onyesolu, 2009b; Onyesolu & Eze, 2011; Onyesolu, 2006). Many VR applications have been developed for manufacturing, training in a variety of areas (military, medical, equipment operation, etc.), education, simulation, design evaluation, architectural walk-through, ergonomic studies, simulation of assembly sequences and maintenance tasks, assistance for the handicapped, study and treatment of phobias, entertainment, rapid prototyping and much more (Onyesolu & Akpado, 2009). VR has had impact in heritage and archeology, mass-media, fiction books, television, motion pictures, music videos, games, fine art, marketing, health care, real estate etc. Today, VR is being used as powerful tool in education to simulate learning environments. Such VR environments have been very valuable instructional and practice alternative (Onyesolu & Eze, 2011).

The question is what are the available tools and resources needed for building VR systems be it non-immersive VR systems, semi-immersive VR systems or immersive VR systems. There are a lot of companies that offer services in the field of VR and related areas. While some companies specialize in VR hardware, some specialize in VR software, be it 3D tools, 2D tools, or VR simulation tools. Some of these companies and software tools are provided in section 3 and section 5.

A Survey of Some Virtual Reality Tools and Resources 23

Some users find that stereoscopic viewing enhances their spatial understanding, however such display systems should only be used for brief viewing sessions (e.g. up to half an hour)

For a greater sense of immersion, multi-screen projection systems or head-mounted displays can be used to place the viewer inside the model. While the hardware required to do this efficiently, with motion tracking and 3D input devices such as gloves, is relatively costly, immersive VR is particularly useful if a realistic view of a virtual environment is required. The user experiences the environment within the model as opposed to looking into it from the outside. VR systems based on immersive technology are relatively expensive, but can be

In order to create usable virtual reality systems at a reasonable cost and with an appropriate level of performance, the application designer's understanding of the advantages and limitations of combinations of VR hardware and software is crucial (Louka & Balducelli, 2001).

Some of the companies offering services in the field of VR and related areas are provided

3D Ace Studio is a subsidiary of Program Ace LLC. 3D Ace studio delivers high quality graphics and programming services for high-end games, movies, etc. 3D Ace Studio's area of expertise includes creation of 2D concept art and design, GUI design, high-poly models for movies and games, 3D environments, low-poly and budget models, characters and creatures, animated next gen 3D movies, 3D SFX for feature and TV films, in-game cut scenes and intro reels, custom entire game development, CG, AI, tools and network

3DW technologies (3DW) provide a range of services based on interactive 3D computer graphics. 3DW Virtual Reality (VR) and Multimedia solutions provide innovative, dynamic and engaging solutions that improve communication and increase understanding. 3DW have spent so many years providing software and developing solutions in the fields of energy, regeneration and sport. 3DW technologies apply innovative, interactive graphics and software

This is an "Advanced Learning Technology Company" that creates collaborative interactive learning solutions for Federal Systems, Healthcare and Corporate Training markets (http://www.virtualheroes.com/about.asp). VHI applications facilitate highly interactive, self-paced learning and instructor-led, distributed team training on its Advanced Learning Technology (ALT) platform. Major components of this platform include the Unreal® Engine 3 by Epic Games, and Dynamic Virtual Human Technology (DVHT). ALT leverages simulation learning and digital game-based learning paradigms to accelerate learning,

solutions to engage, communicate and entertain (http://www.3dwebtech.co.uk).

to avoid simulator sickness (Louka & Balducelli, 2001).

**3. Some VR technology resource companies** 

below (http://vresources.org/company\_link\_list).

programming (http://www.3dace.com).

**3.2 3D Web (3DW) technologies** 

**3.3 Virtual Heroes Inc. (VHI)** 

**3.1 3D Ace Studio** 

justified when the benefits outweigh the cost (Louka & Balducelli, 2001).
