Virtual Reality

by Steven M. LaValle

Overview

Virtual reality (VR) is a powerful technology that promises to transform our lives. This balanced and interdisciplinary text blends the key components from computer graphics, perceptual psychology, human physiology, behavioral science, media studies, human-computer interaction, optical engineering, and sensing and filtering, showing how each contributes to engineering perceptual illusions. Steven LaValle draws on his unique experience as a teacher, researcher, and early founder of Oculus VR, to demonstrate how the best practices and insights from industry are built on fundamental computer science principles. Topics include media history, geometric modeling, optical systems, displays, eyes, ears, low-level perception, neuroscience of vision, graphical rendering, tracking systems, interaction mechanisms, audio, evaluating VR systems, and mitigating side effects. Students, researchers, and developers will gain a clear understanding of timeless foundations and new applications, enabling them to make innovative contributions to this growing field as scientists, engineers, business developers, and content makers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107198937
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/02/2023
Pages:	392
Product dimensions:	7.05(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.91(d)

About the Author

Steven LaValle is Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Oulu. He was an early founder and chief scientist of Oculus VR, where he developed patented tracking technology for consumer VR and led a team of perceptual psychologists to provide principled approaches to virtual reality system calibration, health and safety, and the design of comfortable user experiences. He has also served as Vice President and Chief Scientist of VR/AR/MR at Huawei. He has conducted research for over three decades, publishing over 150 articles and two books, Planning Algorithms (2006) and Sensing and Filtering (2012).

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Bird's-eye view; 3. The geometry of virtual worlds; 4. Light and optics; 5. The physiology of human vision; 6. Visual perception; 7. Visual rendering; 8. Motion in real and virtual worlds; 9. Tracking; 10. Interaction; 11. Audio; 12. Evaluating VR systems and experiences; 13. Frontiers; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘Steve is a titan of his field, and Virtual Reality is a compelling capstone to the work he has done for VR over the past decade.’ Palmer Luckey, Founder of Oculus VR and Anduril

‘The book by LaValle provides a principled and comprehensive introduction to Virtual Reality. It is a fine exposition of the concepts, algorithms, and system issues that arise in virtual reality technologies. The author offers excellent coverage of different areas, including audio, geometry, interactions, optics, perception, rendering, tracking, etc., used in designing simulated and immersive environments.’ Dinesh Manocha, University of Maryland at College Park

‘The book is great source for everybody interested in VR as it provides an extensive overview about the most important topics of virtual reality with lots of helpful illustrations and examples, and at the same time covers several technical and mathematical aspects in depth.’ Frank Steinicke, University of Hamburg

‘LaValle’s book is probably the best way to get into the science and engineering of virtual reality. It is comprehensive, yet very accessible, full of illustrations and plain-English explanations. The book is an excellent choice for students and engineers interested in future VR technologies.’ Rafal Mantiuk, University of Cambridge

‘An excellent introductory textbook for VR, well-organized, with broad coverage, and clear prose. LaValle is a knowledgeable guide through the wide variety of topics germane to VR, from the history of the field, to visual perception, to mathematics of 3D geometry, to displays, rendering, tracking, audio, user interaction, and much more. If there is a better introductory VR textbook, I’ve yet to find it.’ Henry Fuchs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

From the Publisher