Drowning in Immersion

It is commonly believed, but not proven, that virtual reality attains its power by captivating the user's attention to induce a sense of immersion [1] and presence [2]. This is what sets virtual reality apart from other interface metaphors. However, both these terms have been liberally used to varying degrees within the virtual reality literature. This paper attempts to step back from the technological issues of immersion and to look at some of the basics of immersion itself. Looking at examples of immersion in reality can help us to understanding what may or may not be required in a proposed virtual reality (VR) system. Using the physical senses as a basis for defining immersion has been discussed and three examples (reality, VR and dreaming while asleep) have been highlighted to show the interplay of external sensory stimulation and internal sense representation.