Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!emory!ogicse!milton!ron@vicorp.com
From: ron@vicorp.com (Ron Peterson)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: Consumer Markets for VR
Message-ID: <12742@milton.u.washington.edu>
Date: 11 Dec 90 00:36:18 GMT
References: <12617@milton.u.washington.edu>
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In article <12617@milton.u.washington.edu> frerichs@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (David J Fr
erichs) writes:
>
>I am about to ask a question that should make most VR researchers stop and
>think...
>Other than interactive gaming, does anyone see any motivation for a consumer
>(ie layman who doesn't know much) to buy a consumer priced VR setup when one
>becomes available.
>I am playing the devils advocate for the research team I am in.
>Consider that it probably wont be full color and not of a high enough
>quality for professional CAD but convincing enough to give a sense of seeing
>3D objects that aren't really there.  It could be stand alone or use a host.
>
>I know the myriad of high end visualization, data manipulation and interaction
>uses of VR, but what about Joe Schmoe, what could he use it for other than a
>toy?  Remember, Joe doen't have $70K to drop at VPL (modest est.)
>(I'm not looking for VR telephones or anything like that. I'm looking at this
>year not 5 yrs down the road.)
>

How about a Home Construction Set where Mr. and Mrs. Schmoe can build
themselves a virtual home.  Could be useful for doing a rough design
of their dream home or adding that long dreamed of greenhouse which 
could then be taken to an architect for finishing.  Could also be 
used to rearrange furniture in the rooms to see what it would look 
like before actually moving the furniture.  Landscaping...
Or...
Auto Mechanic:  A complete training course in car repair.  Cut-away
views, color highlights, x-ray vision and other techniques combined
with the ability to reach into the scene and change things to see what
happens could work to create a very effective teaching/self-help
tool.
A similar program would be the Small Engine Repair cartridge.
Or...
Many sorts of "this is how it works" programs: the workings of eco-systems,
food cycles in the ocean, characteristics of the earths atmosphere, space
travel, plant growth,...education.
Or...
Indoor practice for sports.  Your local softball team can get together
for a game in the middle of winter.  Not as good as the real thing but
it could help improve team cooperation and eye-hand coordination.  You
could compare your golf or tennis swing to the pro's also.
Or...
What else do the Schmoes do that might benefit from 3D, interactive
visualization?  What 3D databases exist already that they might want
to access?
I think all of these could be accomplished today using a crude data-suit
based on PowerGlove-like technology, a couple of Amiga's, a modem and 
some low-res lcd color goggles based on lcd TV's.  I could see a system 
being offered for under $5,000 a year from now and reaching the under 
$1,000 price a few years later IF the Schmoes showed enough initial 
interest to excite the big money men.  And I do think the Schmoes would 
be interested if they had a chance to try a well written version of 
one of the above applications.  Looking at the history of computers 
however, they probably would not be willing to risk $1,000 until the 
systems were fairly mature and friendly with a variety of applications.  
Perhaps if it was offered as a $200-$300 option for an existing computer 
system it would have a better chance.  I doubt it would have the instant
success of something like Camcorders though.

ron@vicorp.com