What is VR? Its Origin and Applications

Virtual Reality can be defined as, “Real-time interactive graphics with three-dimensional models, combined with a display technology that gives the user the immersion in the model world and direct manipulation” - Fuch, 92. The definition explains it all. It is very clear from the above definition that VR provides a user with an immersive and interactive experience in a simulated world.

Origin of Virtual Reality

The term virtual reality first made its presence in the book ‘The Theatre and its Double’ that was written by the French playwright Antonin Artaud in the Year 1938. Since then, many Sci-fi movies like Avatar have used the concept to create the virtual reality immersive experience for their viewers.

VR is not limited to creating a visual experience. It encompasses a combination of all the effects audio, visual, feeling, and smell. It works on connecting these senses efficiently with human brain. The applications of VR technology have now entered the space pertaining to entertainment, simulation and training.

What are the Different Levels of Immersion in VR Systems?

Desktop VR

Known as Window on World (WoW) systems, it is the simplest of all the available Virtual Reality Applications. In this application no extra sensory output is needed and only a conventional monitor is needed to display the image of the world.

Fish Tank VR

Being an improved version of The VR technology, this system uses motion parallax effect to create and improve the feeling of being in the ‘virtual world’. These systems support head tracking to create an improved virtual experience.

Immersive Systems

This system used HMD to create a virtual scene that lets the user immerse completely in that virtual world. It uses the user’s position and orientation to create an interactive and completely immersive world. Audio and sensory interfaces may be used to enhance the effects created by these immersive systems.

Applications of VR Technology

Since its introduction, applications of VR technology have come a long way. Companies like Apple, and Sony are spending a fortune to create immersive and innovative gadgets and games for their users with the help of VR technology. Simulation games in Training programs and other technology-oriented fields are making use of this technology create a niche for themselves in the tough, competitive market. So, let’s take a deeper look into the various applications of the VR Technology

Making Complicated and Bulky Data Accessible for Humans

Managing megabytes and gigabytes of data is not possible for human brain. VR technology is used to create visualization techniques to make large amounts of gathered data easily perceptible and accessible to humans. The technology has shortened the design phase of an equipment like an aircraft.

Also, the design phase has become less expensive as the designers don’t have to use expensive wooden models to get a glimpse of the actual equipment. It is now extremely easy to work and rework on the existing models to create the perfect object.

Education and Training

Virtual Training Simulation techniques are used in simulating the actual environment of the space, where the astronauts are trained to face hazardous tasks in the space. Visit to a virtual museum or enjoying virtual music or a virtual painting are some of the most appealing examples of the application of this technology in the human world.

Creating Network Based Creative Environment

With enhanced use of remote working by most of the organizations, it has become important to create an ease of collaboration between remote users. VR has become the focus of Research in this field, as it can help in creating such an innovative, network based, shared virtual environment. An actual application can be seen in a CO-CAD desktop system which allows a group of engineers to work within a shared virtual space.

Entertainment

Be it sci-fi movies or gaming, VR reality has shown its presence in the entertainment field in a big way. VR headsets like PSVR2 by Sony PlayStation and forthcoming VR Headset by Apple look at creating a virtual experience for the user that is both interactive and immersive. Hollywood with its movies like Avatar has already made its entry into the VR world.

The Future of VR

So, we can say that VR has a long way to go. Future of VR Technology will depend on the way the research is done on its various applications in different other fields. Media, management, engineering, and many other fields are already making use of the VR technology to create a niche for themselves in the competitive market by trying to create new products with the help of this innovative technology.