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Latest Term: Stereotaxy

Stereotaxy is a VR-based surgical technique in which a 3D map of the body region to be operated on, is made via a CT scanner, MRI or similar method. That map is then utilised by a robotic or computer-assisted surgical unit, to plan out where in the body to perform delicate surgery with minimal invasiveness.

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Limb Kinematics

Posturography

Gait Analysis

Avatars and Personification >> Trust and Judgement in VR: Still based on looks
(added 07/03/2010)
It seems that we are approaching a critical juncture in the uncanny valley as related to avatars. We may well be encroaching on the point where physical world lessons on how to look become mandatory for avatars as well.


VR and TV >> Animatrix: Index of Stills
(added 25/02/2010)
This resource is not intended as a stand-alone article. Instead, this exists to help you explore the various facets of the nine short films that make up Animatrix,.and what various aspects of each of these powerful films are trying to say. Every still from the films that this site utilises, is indexed here, sorted roughly by category.


The Brain >> Using Simple Brains to Understand the Mechanics of Emotion
(added 25/02/2010)
Emotion is a tricky beast. We still do not fully understand what triggers a given emotion, in terms of the neurochemical signals in the brain, despite several years of study. This is because of the difficulty of determining whether an electrical pattern is triggering an emotional state, or is caused in response to an emotional state.


Neuroprosthetics >> Optics and Neuroprosthetics
(added 25/02/2010)
A new tack in neuroprosthetic interfaces is being born out of pulses of light rather than electricity. Termed 'optogenetic neuromodulation, the technique is being pioneered in the hope that it will enable a far greater level of accuracy and single-cell stimulation than is possible with electrode interfaces.


Artificial Intelligence >> The JohnnyCab: Total Recall's Look at AI Vehicles
(added 09/02/2010)
The Johnny Cab from Total Recall was completely self-sufficient, AI controlled taxi cab. It possessed a motorised mannequin upper torso on a swivel axis inside, so humans had something familiar to interface with. Otherwise it was the very poster child for everything modern AI ground vehicles are trying to achieve.


Levelling the Field >> Offering The Independence of the Open Road to those to whom Driving is Closed
(added 09/02/2010)
When questioned on the possibilities of AI controlled cars, a significant proportion of general public individuals have queried the need for them, stating such viewpoints as "driving is a right, not a privilege". How then, can we justify the pursuit of AI controlled vehicles?

Teaching and Training via VR >> Women and Gaming: The Sims and 21st Century Learning
(added 21/02/2010)
Video games have become both big business and a technological focal point for new forms of learning. Today games are not just played; players engage in game design, write fan fiction, and organise themselves into collaborative learning communities. In these communities players acquire 21st century skills in technology, but, in the best of these communities, they hone these technical skills and strengthen emotional and social intelligence.


VR in Print >> The Surrogates - Book One: The Surrogates
(added 31/01/2010)
The first book of the series is a 240 page graphic novel, and is the material the Surrogates film was based on, although the filrm takes the material and runs into loonyville with it. This on the other hand is hard core science fiction, slowly becoming science fact. It is filled with deep exposition scenes, carefully thought out quirks, and fodder for the brain, based on current trends.


Augmenting the Classroom >> Ludoliteracy: Defining, Understanding, and Supporting Games Education
(added 26/01/2010)
On the surface, it seems like teaching about games should be easy. After all, students are highly motivated, enjoy engaging with course content, and have extensive personal experience with videogames. However, games education can be surprisingly complex.


Avatar Interfacing >> Robot Dynamics Algorithms
(added 14/01/2010)
Whilst over 30 years old now, this book is one of those whose usefulness is never likely to fade. It is a physics book, dealing with the mathematics and physical constraints of getting any rigid body jointed system to move as desired. Designed initially with robots in mind, long before the avatar, the maths contained within is ideal for grounding on ragdoll physics as used with avatars.