From: mbernat@gel.ulaval.ca (Marc Bernatchez)
Subject: Re: DESIGN: 3D computing vs. virtual reality: what's the difference?
Date: 13 Dec 1995 01:04:18 GMT
Organization: Dept. Genie Electrique, Universite Laval


From: mbernat@gel.ulaval.ca (Marc Bernatchez)

Well, let me first say that I strongly believe that VR is here to
stay. It's more a matter of technology than other things. The new line
of 3D accelerator boards will give the VR field a real boost.

What is the difference between VR and 3D computing/imaging? To me, the
simplest yet imperfect way to respond to the question is:

VR is the three fundamental things:

	- 3D imagery (so it includes 3D computing in fact)
	- Immersion  (it gives the impression of being there)
	- Real time  (unlike most 3D imaging systems, it has to generates a
	              decent number of frames or images per second)

That's my definition of VR and the one I'm using in my speeches and
articles.

So as you can see, I see VR as an extension to 3D computer
imaging. It's an upper layer of complexity where you add "behaviors"
and physical laws to what used to be motionless 3D imaging. Don't
confuse 3D computer animation made by software like 3D Studio,
Softimage, etc with VR. They do not really provide the third point of
my definition, that is the real time responsiveness. Well, at least
not for the resulting animation file that you record on a tape for
broadcasting, etc.

Best regards.

 Marc Bernatchez             |  E-MAIL
 C.O.P.L. (local plt-00307)  |  mbernat@gel.ulaval.ca
 Dep. Genie electrique       |  or
 Universite LAVAL            |  marc.bernatchez@gel.ulaval.ca