VR Terminology

Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive 3D environment that blends with our physical reality; the capability to link the virtual world with the physical world through for example a “superman vision” where a video image is superimposed with a 3D model of the same environment and adding hidden information accessible from sensors like RFID.

Avatar is a computer user’s representation of himself/herself or alter ego, whether in the form of a 3D (three dimensional) model used in computer games, a two-dimensional picture used on Internet forums and other communities. The term “avatar” can also refer to the personality connected with the screen name, or handle, of an Internet user.

CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment)  is an immersive virtual reality environment where projectors are directed to three, four, five or six of the walls of a room-sized cube. The name is also a reference to the allegory of the Cave in Plato’s Republic where a philosopher contemplates perception, reality and illusion.  (see EON ICube)

CAI Computer-assisted instruction

Customer Interaction Management is in this context defined as the use of interactive 3D technology to effectively capture, propose and validate customer needs thus improving the customer journey and end state.

Game engines is a software system designed for the creation and development of video games. These tools are an integrated development environment to enable simplified, rapid development of specific interactive models and environments.

GPS Global Positioning System

ICT Information and communication technologies

Interactive Digital Centers (IDC) are world wide collaborative partnerships focusing on visualization and 3D Interactive Digital Media solutions and services for various industries.

ITS Intelligent tutoring systems

Information Society The emerging term “information society” comes from the new focus on the role of information and technology in modern economies and the transmission of knowledge through communication and computer networks.

Immersive 3D solution is defined as an integrated system consisting of software, computers, displays, projectors or glasses that provides a state of consciousness where an immersant’s awareness of physical self is diminished by being surrounded in an engrossing total environment. (See Immersive solutions; EON Icube, EON ICatcher, EON Holopodium)

Interactive 3D Virtual Meeting is a 3D Web conferencing tool that allows users to virtually meet on line to learn, present, demonstrate, collaborate and train. Features can include Shared Virtual Worlds, Communication with Voice-over-IP,  Live video support, Virtual Presentation Surface and Multi-format document viewing.

Knowledge-based Economy The term “knowledge-based economy” stems from the recognition of the place of knowledge as the driver of productivity and growth in modern economics. Rapid knowledge transfer and a workforce that continuously acquire and adapt new skills underlies the “learning economy”.

LMS Learning management systems.

MMO Massively multi-user online environments.

MUVE Multi-user virtual environment.

Simulation Based Learning is an extension of e-learning that provides an interactive learning experience combining the sophistication of simulator technology with the ease of use and scalability of video game industry. SBL Whitepaper, The Simulation Based Learning Market

The IDC consortium is a globally leading visualization consortium in the interactive 3D market that provides de facto standard for visualization solutions worldwide..

Virtual Learning environment (VLE) is a computerized environment designed to support teaching and learning in an educational setting which involves distance learning. In a virtual learning environment, where virtual reality mimics the real world, learners can perform experiments otherwise dangerous or impossible to do in reality.) 

Virtual Reality (VR) allows a user to interact with a computer-simulated environment, whether simulation of the real world or an imaginary world. displayed either on a screen or through stereoscopic displays.

Virtual worlds A virtual world is a computer-based simulated environment where interaction takes place in real time with digital personas ( Avatars).  Some, but not all, virtual worlds allow for multiple users. There are elements of interactivity, collaboration, immersion and immediacy which distinguish virtual worlds from regular webinars.

WHD Wireless handheld device