What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
Virtual reality (VR) refers to the use of computer technology to create a three-dimensional (3D) artificial environment that users can explore and interact with. VR technology allows users to immerse themselves in a virtual experience rather than a digital one, with the help of special equipment such as headsets.
What is the difference between Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (VR) ?
Augmented reality (AR) technology is closely related to VR, but there are also important differences. As the name suggests, AR enhances real-world experiences by projecting digital content into the real world. VR, on the other hand, creates a virtual environment that replaces reality.
While VR provides a more immersive experience and often requires specialized equipment and advanced computers, AR can be accessed from a smartphone or tablet. But there are also cheaper options for the VR experience, such as Google’s Cardboard.
How does Virtual Reality work?
Virtual reality systems work by simulating the human brain as much as possible in a way that stimulates it. Treat the virtual environment as reality.
Head-mounted displays (HMDs) are worn on the head and provide a 3D view of the virtual world. HMDs deliver true visual clarity by providing a viewing area and frame rate similar to human vision.
Headss with spatial audio provides a sound environment that matches the appearance of the HMD and emulates the music you want in the real environment.
Gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetometers for head and motion to adjust the virtual environment based on the user’s position in the room and head orientation.
Controllers, gloves, treadmills, and other devices to interact with the virtual environment and simulate other senses such as touch.
What are the different types of virtual reality (VR)?
Fully immersive VR is the type that provides the best virtual experience. It includes head-mounted displays (HMDs), headsets, and other devices to simulate as much as possible and create an authentic experience. In fully immersive VR, the user is completely isolated from the physical environment.
Semi-immersive VR allows users to experience a virtual environment while being connected to the physical environment. In this sense, semi-immersive VR provides a partial virtual experience. The video below shows an example of semi-immersive VR in a training ride, where the control panel is real and the window displays virtual content.
Non-immersive VR refers to a type of VR that provides a computer-generated environment without the need for virtual reality.
What are some use of VR?
Healthcare
Virtual reality is used in medical training and allows students to practice operations and other interventions without endangering human lives. In addition, VR systems are also used in patient care, such as treating patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Education
VR systems can be used to help students become more engaged in the subject. It can enable virtual field trips to historical sites or teaching applied sciences. For example, Google Arts and Culture Expeditions allow users to take virtual trips to various destinations. VR technology can also improve distance learning, which is even more important due to the pandemic.
Retail
Virtual fitting rooms that allow customers to try on clothes, shoes, glasses or even a new hairstyle can replace physical ones. Virtual sampling increased by 32% during the pandemic.
Real Estate
VR allows home buyers to view properties via virtual tours from their homes. Compared to photos or videos of the property, a virtual tour allows you to get a better idea of the property’s dimensions and other features without visiting the property in person.
What are the problems facing VR?
Health problems: As we said before, VR systems work by convincing the human brain that the virtual environment is real. However, when you move around the virtual environment while your body is stationary, you may lose your orientation, feel nauseous, have a headache, and fall asleep. This is called motion sickness. VR treadmills can help reduce pain by simulating walking.
High Cost: VR glasses and computers with special instructions can be very expensive. VR development can also be expensive, requiring companies to hire developers who specialize in VR applications. But VR may be cost-effective in the long run.
