adminVIRTUAL REALITY
Virtual reality is a visual experience that targets the sensory behavior of a subject to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world.
Virtual reality immerses users in a fully digital three dimension environment or world through a virtual reality headgear or surrounding display. This environment can be computer generated or filmed in 360 degree video.
Virtual reality uses several technologies to produce this immersive feeling of a virtual world. This feeling is generated or produced through a stereoscopic headgear which tracks the view point, head position and motion to allow the seamless interaction with the projected virtual world.
There are several Types of virtual reality and they are; non-immersive, semi-immersive and fully immersive virtual reality.
Non-immersive virtual reality users interact with a virtual environment through a screen without being fully immersed.
Semi-immersive virtual reality users wear a headset, headgear or glasses that provide a partial immersive experience.
Fully-immersive virtual reality users wear a headgear or glasses or any other device that completely immerses them in a virtual environment.
A virtual reality system consists of both hardware and software components that work together to provide an immersive and interactive experience.
The hardware components of a virtual reality system are; head mounted display, controllers, sensors, computers or gaming consoles and tracking system.
The head mounted display is a headgear that display the virtual environment projected to the user and at the same time tracks the users head movement in other to optimize the projected images.
The controllers are devices that track the users hand or body movements, allowing interaction with virtual objects such motion controllers, wands or gloves.
The sensors are devices that track the users’ movements such as head or hand tracking sensors.
The computers or gaming consoles are powerful devices that process and render virtual reality content.
The tracking systems are the technical means that is used to track the user’s movements such as optical, inertia or acoustic tracking systems.
The software components of a virtual reality system are; virtual reality engine, virtual reality content, tracking software and rendering software.
The virtual reality engine is the software that powers virtual reality experience, providing tools for developers to create and deploy virtual reality content such as unity, unreal engine and A-frame.
The virtual reality content are applications, games or experiences designed for virtual environments.
The tracking software is the software that processes data from the sensors and controllers allowing for precise tracking of the users movements.
The rendering software is software that generates and renders 3D graphics in real time, creating a seamless virtual reality experience.
The advantages of virtual reality are as follows; it allows users to interact and learn in a simulated environment without fear of failure. It provides a realistic environment for work, recreation, online meetings and social gatherings. Also it reduces drastically the costs associated with physical equipment, venues and travels.
The disadvantages of virtual reality are as follows; the high cost associated in providing virtual reality experience put it out of the reach of many. It requires a high level of technical and artistic skills to produce virtual reality experience. The costs of virtual reality systems are prohibitive. It also has health implication for some users such as motion sickness, nausea, eyestrain and headaches. The use of virtual reality can lead to social isolation and decreased physical activity. Virtual reality can be addictive especially in gaming applications.
Virtual reality finds widespread application and uses in the following areas of human endeavor; gaming and entertainment, education and training, healthcare, architecture and real estate, military and defense and so on.
The future of virtual reality is predicated on the trends, advances and development of the following technologies; advanced and improved virtual reality headgears and systems, controllers and sensors. The Increased adoption of virtual reality as the main stream of social interaction and the integration of virtual reality with other emergent technologies like artificial intelligence and so on will go a long way in paving the road to an advanced futuristic society.
SOURCES:
- Metaverse and virtual reality: A beginner’s guide by Lance K. Hawkins.
- Learning virtual reality by Tony Parisi.
- Virtual reality by Samuel Greengard.
- Virtual reality: exploring the brave new technologies by Howard Rheingold.
- Storytelling for virtual reality by John Bucher.
