Avatar (computing)An avatar in the virtual world Second LifeA Twitter post, with the user's profile pictureIn computing, an avatar is a graphical representation of a user, the user's character, or persona. Avatars can be two-dimensional icons in Internet forums and other online communities, where they are also known as profile pictures (pfps), userpics, or formerly picons (personal icons, or possibly "picture icons").
Real-time computer graphicsReal-time computer graphics or real-time rendering is the sub-field of computer graphics focused on producing and analyzing images in real time. The term can refer to anything from rendering an application's graphical user interface (GUI) to real-time image analysis, but is most often used in reference to interactive 3D computer graphics, typically using a graphics processing unit (GPU).
CommunicationTransmission of information"Communicate" redirects here. For other uses, see Communicate (other).There are many forms of communication, including human linguistic communication using sounds, sign language, and writing as well as animals exchanging information and attempts to communicate with intelligent extraterrestrial life.Communication is commonly defined as the transmission of information.Mirror worldA mirror world is a representation of the real world in digital form. It attempts to map real-world structures in a geographically accurate way. Mirror worlds offer a software model of real human environments and their workings. It is very similar to the concept of a digital twin. The term in relation to digital media is coined by Yale University computer scientist David Gelernter. He first speaks of a hypothetical mirror world in 1991.Computer simulationComputer simulation is the running of a mathematical model on a computer, the model being designed to represent the behaviour of, or the outcome of, a real-world or physical system. The reliability of some mathematical models can be determined by comparing their results to the real-world outcomes they aim to predict.
Immersion (virtual reality)In virtual reality (VR), immersion is the perception of being physically present in a non-physical world. The perception is created by surrounding the user of the VR system in images, sound or other stimuli that provide an engrossing total environment. EtymologyThe name is a metaphoric use of the experience of applied to representation, fiction or simulation.
RealityReality is the totality of existence or what all existing entities have in common. It is often contrasted with appearance, opposing what is with what seems to be, although the accuracy and fundamentality of this contrast are disputed. Various criteria for distinguishing real from unreal entities have been proposed, including causal powers, mind-independence, and being non-illusory.
PerceptionInterpretation of sensory information The Necker cube and Rubin vase can be perceived in more than one way. Humans are able to make a very good guess on the underlying 3D shape category/identity/geometry given a silhouette of that shape. Computer vision researchers have been able to build computational models for perception that exhibit a similar behavior and are capable of generating and reconstructing 3D shapes from single or multi-view depth maps or silhouettes.
GravityAttraction of masses and energyThe shapes of two massive galaxies in this image evolved under the effects of gravity.In physics, gravity (from Latin gravitas 'weight'), also known as gravitation or a gravitational interaction, is a fundamental interaction, which may be described as the force that draws material objects towards each other.Animal locomotionSelf-propulsion by an animalA beetle larva in rectilinear locomotionIn ethology, animal locomotion is any of a variety of methods that animals use to move from one place to another. Some modes of locomotion are (initially) self-propelled, e.g., running, swimming, jumping, flying, hopping, soaring and gliding.
TopographyTopography is the study of forms and features of land surfaces. The topography of an area may refer to landforms and features themselves, or a description or depiction in maps. Topography is a field of geoscience and planetary science, and is concerned with local detail in general, including not only relief, but also natural, artificial, and cultural features such as roads, land boundaries, and buildings.
User (computing)A user is a person who uses a computer or networkservice. A user typically has a user account and is recognized by the system through a username. Some software products provide services to other systems and have no direct end users. End userEnd users are the ultimate human users (also referred to as operators) of a software product. The end user stands in contrast to users who support or maintain the product such as sysops, database administrators and computer technicians.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.