Desktop Virtual Reality

Definition: Desktop virtual reality uses a computer monitor for vrirtual reality applications.

Virtual Reality (VR) is the technology that provides almost real and/or believable experiences in a synthetic or virtual way. Desktop VR uses a computer monitor as display to provide graphical interface for users. It is cost-effective when compared to the immersive VR as it does not require any expensive hardware and software and is also relatively easy to develop. Although they lack the immersion quality, they consist of computer-generated environments which exist in 3 dimensions (even if they are shown on a 2-D display). Figure 1 below shows an example of a Desktop VR system used for industrial training. It is possible to enhance the user experience by using stereoscopic 3D view, on a regular monitor, through the use of special software and 3D goggles. Because the worlds exist in 3 dimensions, users can freely navigate in 3 dimensions around in the worlds. It is generally believed that the graduate deployment of desktop 3D monitors will increase the applicability of desktop VR in the near future.