4. Virtual environments

4.1 Introduction

A virtual reality simulation enables one or more users to interact in real time with a computer-generated scene. Various sensory channels can be brought into play. The visual sense is the most represented; hearing, touch, muscular proprioception (the sensation of effort) and, to a lesser extent, smell can also be called upon.

Depending on the finesse and complexity of the simulation, other elements may be added:

• the behavior of virtual objects ;

• ...