Virtual Reality: Difference between revisions

'''Virtual Reality''' ('''VR''') is a computer-simulated artificial multisensory 3D environment that can mimic the properties and imagery of the physical world, be completely based in fantasy, or a mix of both. It involves technology that uses computer-generated environments to simulate a physical presence in a virtual world. The system uses position-tracking and responds to the user’s inputs. In VR, the senses are temporarily fooled into believing that the artificial environment is real. The goal of a true VR experience is to create [[presence]] - the feeling of physically being somewhere else, of being in another reality <ref name=”0”> Bierbaum, A.D. (2000). VR Juggler: A Virtual Platform for Virtual Reality Application Development. Masters of Science Thesis, Iowa State University, Iowa</ref>.

Virtual Reality is an interactive and immersive medium that can be used to create unique experiences that are unattainable elsewhere. VR has the power to transform [[games]], [[films]] and other forms of media. Some enthusiasts call VR the "ultimate input/output device" or the "last medium" because any subsequent medium can be created within VR, using only software <ref name=”0”></ref> <ref name=”6”></ref>.

While [[Augmented Reality]] enhances the real world with digital content, Virtual Reality completely replaces the real world with a virtual one, creating a brand new digital environment.<ref name=”0”></ref><ref name=”6”></ref>

 

 

'''Interactive -''' The user’s input controls the system and guides the behavior of the VR experience, while also modifying the virtual environment. This type of interaction engages the user, connecting him to the application in a more natural way since the environment responds directly to the stimuli <ref name=”0”></ref>.

 

 

'''1.''' According to Bierbaum (2000), “For a VR application to be immersive, it must be perceptually immersive by providing ‘the presentation of sensory cues that convey perceptually to users that they’re surrounded by the computer-generated environment.’” Therefore, the VR must provide the user with an all-encompassing sensory input <ref name=”0”></ref>.

 

 

 

'''Multisensory -''' providing a virtual experience that uses multiple human sensory systems increases the level of immersion. While current VR systems cannot provide a full range of stimuli to all human senses, it is expected that in the future this problem will be solved and the VR experience will be completely or almost indistinguishable from reality. The more senses are involved in the VR experience, the higher the degree of engagement and, consequently, this results in a greater sense of presence <ref name=”0”></ref>.

 

'''Synthetic -''' The environment is artificial, created by a computer in real-time <ref name=”0”></ref>.

VR is created by [[head-mounted display]]s (HMDs) such as the [[Oculus Rift]]. HMDs utilize [[stereoscopic displays]] and specialized [[lenses]] along with [[#Motion Tracking|motion tracking hardware]] to give the illusion that the user is physically inside the virtual world.  

 

 

 

 

==VR Headsets==

{{see also|VR Headsets}}

{{:VR Headsets}}

==Developer Resources==

 

 

Cinematographer Morton Heilig develops the Sensorama, which was patented only in 1962 and might be considered the first true VR system. It was an arcade-style cabinet that stimulated all the senses. It had a stereoscopic 3D display, stereo speakers, vibrating seat, fans, and a scent producer. It was intended to fully immerse the person in a film. Heilig created six short films for his invention titled Motorcycle, Belly Dancer, Dune Buggy, Helicopter, A date with Sabina and I’m a coca cola bottle! Heilig intended the Sensorama to be one in a line of products for the “cinema of the future”. Unable to secure financial backing, his vision never became reality <ref name=”1”></ref> <ref name=”2”></ref> <ref name=”4”></ref> <ref name=”5”> Robertson, A. and Zelenko, M. Voices from a virtual past. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/a/virtual-reality/oral_history</ref> <ref name=”6”> Mazuryk, T. and Gervautz, M. (1996). Virtual Reality - History, applications, technology and Future (Technical Report). Retrieved from https://www.cg.tuwien.ac.at/research/publications/1996/mazuryk-1996-VRH/TR-186-2-96-06Paper.pdf</ref>.

After 1997, the public interest in VR saw a decrease in what is known as the [[first VR winter]]. Nevertheless, the first fifteen years of the 21st century had several advancements in the field of virtual reality. Computer technology, including small and powerful mobile technologies, increased in power while prices were getting more accessible <ref name=”1”></ref> <ref name=”4”></ref>.