Virtual reality technologies open the gates to the future for us. They allow you to do things that seemed impossible a few years ago. Thanks to VR, we can virtually walk around all the exhibits of the Louvre without leaving the comfort of our home. Virtual reality also finds applications in medicine, science, education, marketing and many other fields.
It is not uncommon for people to confuse virtual reality with augmented reality, but these are two different approaches, although their goal is the same. Virtual reality is a three—dimensional environment, while augmented reality usually uses a smartphone or tablet. In some aspects, they complement each other, but they do not replace each other. The article below explains in more detail about these technologies, examples and areas of their use.
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality (VR) is an interactive universe created with the help of advanced computer technology, which a person perceives through the main senses: sight, hearing, touch and sometimes smell.
The concept of virtual reality is to create an environment in which the user is immersed using special touch devices. There are many characteristics describing the virtual world, but they are rarely combined together. The following aspects are key to VR modeling:
Realistic and convincing. When diving into a virtual environment, the user must be sure of the reality of what is happening in it.
Interactivity. This means that you can interact with various objects and elements.
Detailing the virtual space. This allows the user not only to see a huge virtual space, but also to explore it.
Reliable equipment capable of continuous operation.
The effect of presence. This means that the user acts not only as a spectator, but also as an active participant, interacting with the virtual environment through the senses.
Differences between virtual reality and augmented reality
Augmented Reality (AR) technology adds digital objects to the real world, changing human perception. It's like a filter that allows you to see things that aren't really there. The main difference between AR and virtual reality is that a person remains in the real world, but sees it with some additions. Hence the name of the technology.
Usually, the main means of interacting with augmented reality are mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones. The field of application of augmented reality technology is very extensive. It finds its application in such areas as games and education, art, literature and cinema, navigation, sales and even at major public events.
Augmented reality elements can sometimes be seen on large screens placed in crowded places, such as shopping malls or bus stops. This is usually used for promotional purposes. The screen can serve as a kind of window where, in addition to the real streetscape, you can see the added virtual objects.
Also, the screen can turn into a regular TV, and you will be surprised to find that the real world you are in is different from what is presented on the screen.
Another way to experience augmented reality is to wear special glasses. However, they are not widespread in everyday life and are most often used in manufacturing enterprises.
The principle of operation of virtual reality technology
Virtual reality technology is based on modeling a three-dimensional space with which the user can interact while fully or partially immersed in it.
Three key principles of this technology ensure the effect of the user's presence in an interactive environment:
Positioning of the head. Using a specialized device known as a headset, the system tracks the movements of the user's head and changes the image depending on the direction in which he turns his head. This mechanism is called the "six degrees of freedom" due to its ability to track movements.
Moving the user. More advanced and expensive equipment allows you to adapt the virtual image to the user's actions. This means that the user can move inside the virtual space, and not only interact with its elements, for example, in the gameplay.
The direction of view. A special sensor tracks the user's eye movements, which enhances the feeling of immersion in virtual space: he sees everything that is happening as if it were in real life.
Types of virtual reality technologies
Depending on the technical support and perception, virtual reality is classified into different types:
Full immersion effect
The feeling of reality of being in a virtual environment is achieved if three conditions are met:
High detail of the virtual world, making it as realistic and convincing as possible.
The use of advanced software that allows you to recognize user actions and respond to them in real time.
The use of special equipment connected to a computer, creating the effect of complete immersion and allowing the user to explore the virtual environment.
Virtual reality without immersion
This view is a simulation of reality using high-quality sound and images that are broadcast on a widescreen screen. However, it does not provide full immersion in the virtual world, and the user acts as an observer.
Although such a tool does not meet all the criteria of virtual reality, it is still attributed to it, since compared with other multimedia methods it allows you to immerse yourself more deeply into an alternative space.
A virtual environment with a generalized infrastructure
Examples of this type are the games Second Life and Minecraft. These virtual worlds cannot be fully attributed to virtual reality due to the lack of a deep immersion effect. However, with respect to Minecraft, this applies only to the version with normal controls, while the newer version developed for virtual reality supports Oculus Rift and Gear VR helmets.
Despite this, the technology of these games allows you to interact with other users, which is not typical for classic virtual reality.
Interactive worlds are popular not only in the gaming industry. Platforms such as 3D Immersive Collaboration and Open Cobalt are used to organize educational processes with a presence effect.
Modern developments in the field of virtual reality strive to provide simultaneous full immersion and interaction with other participants.
