Virtual reality environment to support activity in the real world: a case of working environment using microscope

Abstract

This manuscript introduces a virtual reality (VR) environment to support research activity in the real world. We constructed a prototype to support intellectual activity in the field of life sciences using VR. In the prototype, the users can operate a real microscope from a virtual space, along with other useful equipment such as huge displays, and analyze images carefully and intuitively using a immersive visualizer seamlessly integrated in the environment. We belive that our prototype is promising for expanding the potential of VR applications.