Major Project Theme

Virtual Reality

Introduction: What is virtual reality?

In the near future, there would be possibility that people could watch a live football match or music concert without leaving the comfort of their home and in virtual world.

The concept of virtual reality can mainly be defined as an electronic simulation in which a person can interact with a three-dimensional (3-D) visuals or any other environment which doesn’t exist physically but electronically only. Such kind of environment can only be accessed through a device known as a Virtual Reality headset or VR  Helmet. Certain applications have been created by technologies companies which generated such computer sensored environment which then simulates virtual reality through the use of interactive devices, by sending and receiving information and are worn as goggles, headsets, gloves, or body suits. The beauty is that, It creates an Illusion for the users that someone or something is actually present. This phenomenon is also called telepresence. The user’s movements are affected by the motion sensors and they can adjust the view of their interactive devices accordingly.

Virtual Reality Process and how does it work

The process of creating a virtual reality actually is a combination of dedicated hardware and software which creates immersive experiences for the eyes and brain but actually are not real. Hardware supports sensory stimulation like sounds, touch, smell or heat intensity, while software creates the visuals and the virtual environment.

Software used in Virtual Reality

Up till today, several softwares have been built by the IT Developers and technicians in order to create a perfect virtual reality world. These normally include VR software development tools, visualization software, content management programs, game engines, social platforms, and training synopsis etc.

• VR Content Management Systems Software: Companies often use this VR software simply enables people without coding skills to create interactive VR content by simple drag and drop builders.
• VR Game Engine Software: This kind of VR tool is widely used by gaming developers to create a VR video game experience for their users.
• VR Software Development Kit (SDK): These referred to as the basic development kit to design, build and test VR experiences.
• VR Social Platforms Software: With help of these software, VR Users can coordinate from remote locations in VR.
• VR Training Simulator Software: This software works for almost any industry for employee training in immersive environments.
• VR Visualization Software: Through this software, VR Users can create highly interactive 3D projects. It offers easier pattern recognition and retention as well.

The three main VR categories are the following:

Non-Immersive Virtual Reality: This is categorized as simple VR experience where has no controlled over the virtual environment and they remain aware and controlled by their physical environment. Video games are a prime example of non-immersive VR. 

Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality: This type of VR provides an experience partially based in a virtual environment. This type of VR makes sense for educational and training purposes with graphical computing and large projector systems, such as flight simulators for pilot trainees.

Fully Immersive Virtual Reality: This type of VR actually is a presentation of an artificial environment that replaces users' real-world surroundings convincingly enough that they are able to suspend disbelief and fully engage with the created virtual environment.

Hardware Used in Virtual Reality

Hardware used in Virtual reality includes various kinds of sensory objects like VR headsets, hand trackers, treadmills and, for creators, 3D cameras etc. VR headset is defined in more details below:

VR Headsets

A VR headset is a head-worn apparatus that completely covers the eyes for an immersive 3D experience. It contains a visual screen or display for their users who would like to experience Virtual reality. They are often very costly and requires an appropriate computer system to effectively displays and run the VR experience.

Uses of Virtual Reality in industry sectors

Automotive industry

For years, engineers and designers in automotive industry are seeking help of VR to experiment and to improve vehicle designs by creating effective prototypes, before launching a new model into the market. Companies such as BMW and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) been using VR for years to hold early design and engineering reviews. It usually helps owners of automotive companies to analyse new designs before spending their money, and with help of VR they save millions of dollars.

Healthcare

It has significant impact on healthcare industry as well. Companies like Medical Realities is using VR, AR and games to train medical students, with its Virtual Surgeon program enabling them to experience operations from the surgeon’s perspective. Moreover, medical institutes are using VR as cognitive behavioral therapy for deep relaxing and attention shifting technique to reduce pain.

Medical Realities’ The Virtual Surgeon puts trainees inside an operating theatre. Photograph: Medical Realitie

History Of Virtual Reality

Virtual real first came into existence in 19^th century when 360 degree panoramic paintings were introduced to the world for the first creating an immersive experience. Then in 1838 Charles Wheatstone showed 2D images side by side with stereoscope added depth and immersion,  Brain combines them into 3D. Then in 1930s, The idea of Google-based VR world emerges using holographic and other sensory simulations.

In 1960s, First VR head-mounted displayed by Ivann Sutherland with some a specialized software and was initially used for training as a standard. In 1987, Jaron Lanier introduced the word virtual reality. He was the founder of Visual Programming Lab (VPL). After which in 1993, SEGA announced launching of VR headset at their consumer electronics show, with an LCD screen, head tracking and stereo sound.

After all that, 21^st Century became the pioneer with regards to HD display and 3D graphics make it possible for lightweight, practical and accessible VR.

Conclusion

To conclude the idea of Virtual Reality (commonly known as VR) in a nutshell, it seems like concept of Virtual Reality is still in the early stages of development despite their wide applications in different industries and more milestones are yet to achieve. As per 2018 report on VR in Retail and Marketing, it is on track to generate $1.8 billion by 2022. Experts says that Virtual Reality is one of the technologies with the highest projected potential for growth and they are working day and night to improve the quality of experiences of VR by the user.

References:

the Guardian. 2022. The complete guide to virtual reality – everything you need to get started. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/nov/10/virtual-reality-guide-headsets-apps-games-vr> [Accessed 23 May 2022].

Britannica, E., 2022. virtual reality | computer science. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/technology/virtual-reality> [Accessed 23 May 2022].

Bardi, J., 2022. Virtual Reality Defined & Use Cases | 3D Cloud by Marxent. [online] 3D Cloud™ by Marxent. Available at: <https://www.marxentlabs.com/what-is-virtual-reality/> [Accessed 23 May 2022].

Software testing helps. 2022. What Is Virtual Reality And How Does It Work. [online] Available at: <https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/what-is-virtual-reality/> [Accessed 23 May 2022].