Stepping into Virtual Reality (2^nd Ed., 2nd ed. 2023)

The 2^nd edition of this book provides an updated and extended look into the advancements in Virtual Reality and the metaverse. The history and origins of Virtual Reality, crowd simulation and virtual surgery are thoroughly explored. Applications in the cultural heritage and sports domains are also examined and described in detail. There are new contributions on Senses and Sensors, Brain-Computer interfaces, Game Engines, and Immersive Sound. This edition also provides a comprehensive look into the development of applications based on AI techniques, including Machine Learning. It covers all aspects of the topic, from the theoretical foundations to practical applications. The revised and extended chapters provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the technology and its potential applications.

Designed as a guided tour, Stepping into Virtual Reality 2^nd edition provides practical explanations of each step in the process of creating a virtual reality application. It can be used both as a textbook for a virtual reality course and as a reference for courses on computer graphics, computer animation or human-computer interaction and is essential reading for anyone interested in technology and its potential to revolutionize our lives

Mario A. Gutiérrez A. obtained a Ph.D. in Computer Science, with specialization in Virtual Reality from EPFL, Switzerland. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed international conference papers, scientific journal articles and books covering topics related to Computer Graphics, Virtual Reality and Human-Computer Interaction. He has served as assistant professor in Computer Graphics and Virtual Reality at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. In addition to his academic experience, Mario Gutierrez has worked for more than 10 years in the software and consumer electronics industries, focusing on research and development projects aimed at developing innovative computer peripheral devices and software for Virtual Reality and spatial computing applications. He is currently Sr. Software Engineer at Logitech Europe S.A., based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Dr. Frédéric Vexo is a computer scientist, accomplished entrepreneur, and respected authority inthe field of human-computer interaction. Born in 1974 in eastern France, his early fascination with computers sparked a lifelong passion for exploring their capabilities. He pursued a Ph.D. in computer science, immersing himself in the realms of physics and mathematics to create Virtual Worlds. As a senior researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Science in Lausanne, Switzerland, Dr Vexo led a talented team of graduate and Ph.D. students in pioneering research on virtual reality. Dr Vexo’s expertise is widely recognised through his extensive publications, including co-authoring books and over 100 scientific papers. He is a sought-after speaker at international conferences, sharing his knowledge and shaping the discourse on human-computer interaction. Passionate about education, Dr Vexo has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of innovators. He has taught graduate and undergraduate students in the captivating field of Human Computer Interaction, serving