The Technology of the Future: Virtual Reality.
Virtual reality is the use of technology to create computer-generated three-dimensional simulated environments. Virtual reality generates a simulated virtual environment by combining both software and hardware applications that can fool the human eyes and brain. Software generated and rendered visuals while hardware supported sensory stimulation like sound, vibrations, and temperature.
There are generally three types of Virtual Reality:
Non-Immersive Virtual Reality: Non-immersive VR technology is a computer-generated virtual environment in which the user stays aware and controls their physical environment. An example of Non-Immersive Virtual Reality is VR Video Games. Non-immersive virtual reality systems rely on a computer or dedicated console.
Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality: In Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality, VR provides a partial virtual environment. It will provide the perception of a different reality when they focus on the image and allows its user to be connected with their physical environment. This technology is generally used for educational and training purposes like flight simulators for pilot training. It provides 3D graphics which enhance realism. It relies on high-resolution displays and powerful computers that partially replicate the depiction and functionality of the real world.
Fully Immersive Virtual Reality: There is no fully immersive Virtual reality in the world. The advancement in technology is nearly there. In this, VR generates the most realistic simulated environment. It generated better images and sounds. It comes with dedicated technology like VR headsets. The display is split between the user’s eyes. This type of VR technology is generally used in the entertainment sector as well as the education sector.
Application Of Virtual Reality
· Gaming: It is the widely used application of Virtuality Reality. You can enjoy oy better gaming experience with VR.
· Education: Virtual Reality is becoming more useful in other industries other than gaming, especially in the education sector. Simulations like Flight simulation and medical simulation help people to learn faster and better, even militaries are using VR for training purposes.
· Advertisement: VR in advertising is increasing day by day. It provides a virtual experience of the product which improves the customer experience with the brand. It is becoming a suitable substitute For In-Person Interactions.
· VR Collaboration: VR collaboration is a set of processes, tools, and policies used by many organizations that help employees to come together in a simulated virtual environment where they can work together in real-time.
· Medical Uses: It is used for many medical purposes including pain management, treatment of PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), autism management, managing and treating social disorders, therapy for paraplegics, and many more.
· Leisure activity: The tourism industry used virtual reality in leisure activities which helps the user explore and see places virtually from the comfort of their home.
· Brainstorming: Businesses can test their ideas, designs, and models with the help of virtual reality before taking any real-world actions. Virtual reality is becoming very useful in designing and modeling products. Automobile manufacturers are already using these systems.
VR technology and accessories:
· VR Headsets: VR Headset is a head-mounted device that is used as a display device. VR Headset offers sound and eyes-head motion-tracking sensors. There are generally three types of headsets. PC-Based VR Headsets, offer the most realistic and immersive experience. These types of devices include many functions like dedicated displays, motion-tracking sensors, high-quality images, and audio. Standalone-Based VR Headsets, also known as All-in-one headsets, help users to integrate their smart devices such as phones and tablets with the headset. Mobile Headsets used a smartphone to cover the lens of the headset. Mobile Headsets are less expensive as compared to others, transforming phones into Virtual reality devices.
· Wired Gloves: Wired Gloves are wearable technology for the hands, also known as cyber glover/data gloves. It has sensors that can capture data on the hand’s physical movement. High-end versions of wired gloves provide haptic feedback, allowing the user to feel the vibration as an output from the virtual environment.
· Omnidirectional Treadmills or ODTs: Omnidirectional Treadmill is a mechanical device that allows the user the ability to locomotive motion in all directions. There are many advantages to using ODT such as whole-body haptic interaction.
· Motion Controllers: Motion Controllers allow users to interact with the virtual environment.
· Optical Tracker: Optical Tracker is used to following the tracked object. It monitors the user’s position.
· Smelling Devices: Smelling device is a newer development in Virtual Reality industries which is still in the research phase. The Japanese company, Vaqso offers a headset attachment that emits various odors.
Types of Virtual Reality Software?
You can use various software to build a VR system for specific purposes as follows.
· VR Content Management Systems Software: You can use this software or tool to collect, store and analyze Virtual Reality content in a centralized and organized location.
· VR Game Engine Software: You can use this software to create a Virtual Reality gaming experience.
· VR Software Development Kit (VR SDK): VR SDKs provide features to build and test Virtual Reality experiences.
· VR Social Platforms Software: You can collaborate from remote locations in a Virtual environment with this software.
· VR Training Simulator Software: For education and training, VR training simulators are the preferable choice for many Government and private institutes
· VR Visualization Software: Extracting and analyzing data and presenting data in a virtual environment can be done in VR visualization applications.
The Future of Virtual Reality
VR technology is mostly associated with the gaming industry but it is used for many purposes including education and training, business management, collaboration, communication, sales, traveling, guides, and many more.
Virtual Reality has impacted many industries from education to the military. Businesses used virtual reality technological innovation to attract consumers and differentiate themselves from the competition, especially in shopping and retail. According to research from ABI, 2018 VR in Retail and Marketing, in the retail and marketing sector, VR technology generate $1.8 billion by 2022. Virtual Reality helps businesses in planning, designing, researching, and interacting with consumers. Consumers will get a peek at the extraordinary effect of this powerful Virtual Reality technology. Virtual Reality will not surpass traditional education methodologies rather it will augment and enhance the learning experience them.
