Virtual reality refers to the use of computer technology to create a simulated experience or environment. The experience that the user is seeing does not really exist. It is generated by a computer program and works with a head-mounted display to bring this three dimensional world to life right in front of your eyes.
Virtual reality is a completely immersive experience. VR headsets include sound capabilities which pull your sense of hearing into the event. As you move your head from right to left, or up and down, the images in front of you move and change perspective. This is completely different from typical computer or smartphone games, which are limited by the size of your screen and overlay graphics onto your view of the real world.
The goal of virtual reality is to create a world so real that we forget we are wearing a headset and running an app or simulated game. The gaming community has embraced VR and is developing new games every day. Some of the most popular games featuring virtual reality include Lucky’s Tale, Elite:Dangerous, Dragon Front and Chronos. There are a variety of VR headsets on the market, and more are slated to come out in the coming months. Occulus Rift is the most popular headset currently in stores, and users give the latest edition high marks for comfort and usability.
In 1994, entrepreneur and inventor Mark Pesce, along with co-inventor Tony Parisi, developed a 3D interface for the world wide web. Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) create an interactive chain of animations, videos, audio, and URL that can be searched on a web browser and simulate virtual environments.
Over the last decade, computer programmers have developed increasingly complex programs incorporating VRML. When a user slips on a head-mounted display, that programming comes to life. The display technology shows you an image that moves as you move your head. By flashing images at a rate of 20-30 per second, the technology is basically tricking your brain into believing that it immersed in the world on the screen. Incorporating 3-D sound into the equation intensifies the experience and works in tandem with the images to mislead your brain.
The interactive nature of virtual reality provides users with the ability to modify their environment. Input devices such as joysticks, controller wands and datagloves supply the computer with information about your movements and allow it to react with an appropriate change in the environment. Objects move, shadows appear and sounds shift, convincing the brain that it is actually interacting within a world made up of pixels. This sensory stimulation creates the fully immersive experience that is VR.
The military has recognized the impending benefits of virtual reality technology and has begun training soldiers and other military personnel using VR software. This safer and more cost-effective option to simulated, live combat training is extremely enticing to the defense industry. VR training programs are being used to provide soldiers with experience in unarming bombs, flying military helicopters and the handling of close-range weapons. Defense simulation industries around the world are currently investing significant amounts of money into improving virtual reality technology and broadening its scope for use in the armed forces.
Another field that foresees limitless potential for this technology is healthcare. Scientists and medical professionals have been exploring virtual reality for years. They are developing and implementing techniques for training doctors, diagnosing patients and treating a multitude of conditions.
Traditional training for doctors meant relying on cadavers and observation to hone their skills. Incorporating virtual reality into their practice offers medical students an innovative way to improve their proficiency with no risk to actual patients. From surgical simulators to social cognition training to meditation, the uses of VR in the world of medicine are immeasurable.
Education is another area that is recognizing the benefits of virtual reality. Many students benefit from visual learning. VR offers teachers the ability to demonstrate complex concepts in an appealing and engaging way. What student wouldn’t get excited at the chance to step inside the solar system and view the planets from different perspectives and angles? This technology also offers tech-savvy students with the tools to explore and expand their knowledge base. Incorporating VR into the knowledge base of today’s students offers them an advantage that previous generations were not afforded.
As the global market of virtual reality products soars towards $5 billion dollars this year, it appears that this technology has found its foothold. It will be extremely interesting to see what other applications are explored and expanded on in this seemingly limitless innovative technology.
