texture mapping and ray tracing in virtual reality environments

Creating three-dimensional images of elements can be reached via the representation of their surfaces. Surface texture, shading, and light reflectioning provide important cues for three-dimensional perception. Two-dimensional texture gradients are used for surfaces in the process of "texture mapping." These surfaces can then be shaded and improved with reflected light to improve depth sensation. Human beings are accustomed to elements illuminated by one light source above, so shading and light reflection built on a light shining from above gives strong cues for detail sensation. Among the more challenging ways of illuminating virtual things involves tracing the rays of solitary beams of light as they are reflected and refracted from the objects. This is called "ray tracing." For more regarding virtual reality, see Virtual Humans and Conversational Agents as well.

Some technologies used in VR mediums to track human movement for information transmission from humans to computers include: six-dimensional computer mice and control levers; instrumented gloves with mechanical, magnetic, ultrasonic or optical monitors that record finger, wrist, and hand location and motion; gesture recognition systems that recognize hand gestures and facial expressions using optical or mechanical sensors; Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) wherein motion is tracked through mechanical, magnetic, ultrasound or optical monitors; electronically-wired clothing with multiple data transmitters and/or mechanical, magnetic, ultrasound or optical location monitors; and omni directional treadmills. These technologies each have advantages and disadvantages. Mechanical systems detect movement promptly and precisely, but are often clumsy to use and limit the range of body movement caused by the tangible connections that they require. Inertial machines require fewer physical connectors. However, response happens slowly and with less accuracy. Devices based on magnetism and ultrasound also tend to be slow and magnetic devices can be skewed by nearby ferrous components. One possibility for optical motion measurement involves connecting multiple LEDs to clothing and then monitoring the movement of the Light Emitting Diodes through computer, but this method only measures a narrow quantity of places on one's body. Link to Virtual Tours North Dakota delves into related technologies.

The page on Virtual Reality Movies discusses more about this topic.