Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Applied to Simulation Visualization

This chapter introduces virtual reality and augmented reality as a basis for simulation visualization. It shows how these technologies can support simulation visualization and gives important considerations about the use of simulation in virtual and augmented reality environments. Hardware and software features, as well as user interface and examples related to simulation, using and supporting virtual reality and augmented reality, are discussed, stressing their benefits and disadvantages. The chapter intends to discuss virtual and augmented reality in the context of simulation, emphasizing the visualization of data and behavior of systems. The importance of simulation to give dynamic and realistic behaviors to virtual and augmented reality is also pointed out. The work indicates that understanding the integrated use of virtual reality and simulation should create better conditions to the development of innovative simulation environments as well as to the improvement of virtual and augmented reality environments.