Page 72 - Matter: The Other Name for Illusion

Other examples of worlds that are produced superficially

Modern technology presents many important examples of how sensory
experience can be simulated with a high degree of realism, without
the help of any external world. In particular, the technology

called "virtual reality", which has developed
considerably in recent years, gives us some insight on
the subject.
Simply put, virtual reality involves showing
animated three-dimensional images generated on
a computer so as to construct "a real world" with
the help of some equipment. This technology,
which is used in many different fields for
different aims, is called "artificial reality" or

"virtual world" or a "virtual atmosphere". The
most important characteristic of virtual reality is
that a person who uses a special device believes that
what he sees is real, and moreover he is captivated by
that image. For that reason, recently, the word
"immersive" is also used to describe virtual reality, with
"immersive" meaning to involve deeply. (i.e. Immersive

Virtual Reality)
The tools used to create a virtual world are a helmet (which
houses a screen that provides an image) and a pair of electronic
gloves (which provide a feeling of touch). A device in the helmet
checks the movements and angle of the head in order to provide
an image on the screen which is consistent
with the head's angle and
position. Sometimes, stereo
pictures are reflected on the

walls and floor of a room-
size cell. People who
wander through the
room can see
themselves

70 MATTER: THE OTHER NAME FOR ILLUSION