Virtual reality in technical term is used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.
They aim for a seamless join between the person’s head and eye movements and the appropriate response, e.g. change in perception. This ensures that the virtual environment is both realistic and enjoyable. The problem arises when there is a delay between the persons actions and system responses. This then makes the user aware of being in an artificial environment.
Devices for Enhanced VR Experiences :
There are a range of systems that are used for this purpose, such as headsets, omni-directional treadmills and special gloves. These are used to actually stimulate our senses together in order to create the illusion of reality.
VR HEADSETS :
This is basically an head-mounted devices , that are widely used during an immersive VR experiences. The Google Cardboard being the basic one and in maximum reach is one of the beginners experience. The mobile ones could be easily used by creating an android or ios application, whereas the desktop ones are required to have a setup and connection just to provide a proper CAVE view, where user has 4 walls with projectors behind to provide the simulated environment to the user.
HAPTIC BODYSUITS :
Haptic technology could very well fill in the gap for what the most complete experience would offer, with the inclusion of every human sensory function as a core part of the environment.
The virtual reality suit is a wearable device that allows one to dive into a virtual reality world. Such a suit isolates the human body from the external world. The key systems of a low line VR suit are a sensory-based system (haptic or tactile feedback), motion capture and climate-control systems.
It could heavily impact the VR technological growth in a positive direction by creating the best ever user feeling one could achieve.The cost of it could be the barrier in the initial start but with the passage of time it could also be rendered.
VOICE / GESTURE CONTROL :
In virtual environments the touch feature won’t work, since the screen is not accessible. In VR, the user is often limited to a hand control that’s out of sight. To interact without a physical device is preferable, which is why symbolic gestures, voice control and eye tracking are far better interaction methods.
The interaction of user with VR environment is limited to the use of various devices or head-mounted display which require pointed objects for interaction. The gesture recognition technology that identifies hand and body movements is what allows the use of gestures formed for navigation and control within the virtually created environment.It would surely provide an enhanced experience to user, and a real exposure if we implement the symbolic gesture of our everyday life in our environment.
Virtual Reality is most commonly used in the entertainment and gaming industry , but besides this it is used in social sciences and psychology, where it offers a cost-effective tool to study and replicate interactions in a controlled environment. There is also virtual reality exposure treatment (VRET) where the patients suffering from post traumatic disorder and anxiety are treated.