Virtual and reality have contradictory meanings. Putting these two words together seems meaningless, but the development of science and technology has given it new meaning. A clear definition of virtual reality is hard to say. According to J.Laniar, a scholar who first put forward the concept of virtual reality, virtual reality is also called imaginary reality, which means "artificial world synthesized by electronic computers". From now on, we can clearly see that this field is closely related to computers, and information science is the basic premise of synthetic virtual reality. To generate virtual reality, we need to solve the following three main problems: ① the existence technology of confusing the fake with the real. That is, how to synthesize the input information that is consistent with the actual existence for the observer's sensory organs, that is, how to produce the same vision, touch and smell as the real environment. 2 interaction. How can observers actively operate virtual reality to realize different viewpoints and higher-level sensory information? In fact, it is how to look more like it, sound more real and so on. 3 self-discipline reality. How to get a vivid sense of reality without being aware of your actions and behaviors? In order to successfully develop these three technologies, virtual reality must deal with the relationship between various elements, as shown in the following figure. Here, the observer, sensor, computer simulation system and display system constitute an interactive closed-loop process. Today, virtual reality has developed into a comprehensive subject involving computer graphics, precision sensing mechanism, man-machine interface and real-time image processing. Virtual reality technology can be divided into two categories: virtual reality technology (such as virtual visit to the Palace Museum) and virtual reality technology (such as virtual reality environment generation and virtual design of Boeing 777 aircraft). ). The application fields and cross fields of virtual reality technology are very extensive, almost all-encompassing. It is applied to virtual reality technology battlefield environment, virtual reality combat command simulation, virtual reality driving training of aircraft, ships and vehicles, virtual manufacturing of aircraft, missiles, ships and cars (including virtual design of the system), display and visit of virtual reality buildings, virtual reality surgery training, virtual reality games, virtual reality film and television art and so on. Authorities assert that virtual reality technology will be the representative of information technology in 2 1 century. Its development will not only fundamentally change people's working style and lifestyle, but also truly combine work and rest. People will work in a pleasant environment and enjoy it in the process of work. Moreover, the combination of virtual reality technology with art, music and other cultural arts will give birth to the ninth art of mankind. With the development of computer technology, it is possible to realize virtual reality technology on PC. Therefore, at present, the running trend of virtual reality technology system is two main ways: single desktop and Internet. Therefore, it also greatly stimulated the development and application of computer hardware technology and network technology. People who have been busy in the offices of noisy cities all day hope to step into tropical paradise. Imagine an endless beach, roll up your trouser legs, stand by the water, let the waves touch your feet, coconut groves sing in the wind, seagulls soar freely, the sun slowly sets in the sky, and the afterglow dyes the sea red. This kind of imagination can make many people forget fatigue, and they create a dream that makes them relaxed and happy. But if the scene is three-dimensional and nuanced, if you can see yourself picking up a shell with your hands, this fantasy will become vivid and you will think that you have actually been to the island. Now, the "rest machine" based on virtual reality technology can provide people with this means of crossing space. A blueprint for a residential area has just been drawn. Can future residents go to their own units to express their opinions on environmental facilities, housing structure, doors and windows, decoration, etc. before construction starts? The answer is yes: virtual reality can take you into the future. The picture on the right shows a virtual display helmet designed by MIT for the International Space Station, in which astronauts can conduct simulation training.