Technology
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is an artificial computer generated environment with scenes and objects and makes it possible to interact in real time in a very realistic way. The environment is perceived using a virtual reality headset or helmet. It is used in entertainment, gaming education and healthcare. In video games it feels like one of the characters in an immersive environment. It is used to learn heart surgery and to improve the quality of sports training.
How VR Technology Works
Virtual reality headset consists of a headset which has a display, motion controllers and sensors. It tracks the user’s gestures and movements in real time. The software of VR headset involves creating a digital environment using computer-generated graphics, audio and other inputs which simulate an immersive experience.
The computer generated graphical simulation is strongly oriented to the real world. Modern AI algorithms are used for the digital world to adapt the real world as best as possible. It projects new and familiar elements onto a mathematically defined surface.
Types Of Virtual Reality
There are different types of virtual reality like fully immersive virtual reality, semi immersive virtual reality, non-immersive virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality.
Fully-immersive virtual reality: In this type of virtual reality the user is fully immersed in the digital environment. Only the virtual environment is perceived by the user and there is no fixed point of reference. At present fully immersive experience is only found in gaming VR headsets. Digital environment seems completely real as there is no distinction between the real environment.
Semi-immersive virtual reality: It offers a limited immersive experience. In this type of VR digital components overlay the real objects. So a virtual object can be used as a real object. Examples include pilot training in a flight simulator and deepening technical skills in educational institutions.
Non-immersive virtual reality: In this type of virtual reality the user is not fully immersed. It uses a computer screen or projection system to display a 3D environment. It allows minimum interaction with the digital environment.
Augmented reality: It is also a form of virtual reality. When the user’s environment is augmented with digital information it makes augmented reality. Unlike the VR which creates artificial environments, AR uses a real world environment with perceptual information overlaid on it. Examples include Snapchat and Pokemon Go.
Mixed reality: It is a special form of augmented reality which combines the physical and virtual world. There is an interaction between the physical and digital world. A virtual content can be placed in the real environment through hologram and interact with them as if they were physically present. It enables intuitive 3D interactions between humans, computers and the environment. Examples include intelligent eyewear, gloves and bodysuits.
Applications of Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is being used in various sectors including medicine, education and architectural designs. Virtual reality allows us to have a guided museum tour and in medicine dissection of muscles. Here are some of the use cases.
Gaming and Entertainment: Gamers can play Virtual reality games in an immersive virtual environment. It provides a new way of enjoyment from immersive experiences to action packed games.
Education and Training: Virtual reality helps in educating and training the students. It provides hands-on experience which could be otherwise difficult, expensive or dangerous to replicate in real life. As an example, it can be used to simulate a science experiment, provide medical students with surgical simulation or train a pilot in a flight simulator.
Healthcare: VR can be used in healthcare to treat and diagnose medical conditions. It can help patients with anxiety disorders to overcome fear and provide pain management therapy for a chronic pain sufferer.
Real Estate and Architecture: VR can be used in real estate and architecture to provide clients with virtual tours of property and buildings. It helps buyers to visualize the space and make informed decisions.
Tourism and Hospitality: VR can help in tourism and hospitality by providing virtual tours of destinations, helping to visualize the space and making informed decisions.
Marketing and Advertising: VR can help in promotion of a brand by giving buyers immersive experience and awareness.
Future of virtual Reality
Cable less headsets and HD images are being developed. Virtual Reality headsets with more powerful processors and in 8K quality are also being developed. It could also be integrated with artificial intelligence. Latest 5G standards will allow more devices to be connected in real time.