An example of a sci-fi-themed film that uses the VR concept is the film Ready Player One, which won 1 Oscar and 51 nominations in 2018.
Virtual Reality or what we usually call VR is a technology that has been found for a long time. From the invention of the Sensorama machine in the early 1960s to the creation of the Oculus Rift headset, which paved the way for many VR headsets that you can find on the market like today. What used to only start out as science fiction has become a reality, with VR technology that allows you to immerse yourself in an environment that is similar to reality or utterly fantastic through visual media.
Nowadays, we can experience the sensation of virtual reality through media such as games and applications or through several videos on YouTube. The technology has also made its presence known in the film industry, with filmmakers incorporating virtual reality into documentaries and animated films allowing viewers to experience more of a sensation similar to what is in film. Even Facebook and YouTube have taken advantage of VR by developing 360-degree videos. Yep, in that case, you can also use Google Street View or Maps.
In this article, we will discuss how virtual reality works and how people can take advantage of this technology, whether for entertainment, academics or for practical purposes in the real world. But first, let's discuss what VR is all about.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual Reality or Virtual Reality allows users to explore and interact in a computer-generated three-dimensional environment. Current technology uses VR headsets or multi-projection environments, and sometimes it also appears in combination with props or physical environments, to produce highly realistic images, sounds and other sensations. Once in an immersive environment, the user can perform certain actions, such as moving around, manipulating objects, and taking advantage of other imaginary features found in this imaginative artificial world.
Beyond its technical aspects, virtual reality is considered a certain kind of competition for reality. The definition of this term comes from the words "virtual," which means near and "reality," which relates to our real-world experience. Both our senses and the parts of our brain that are involved in sensory perception determine our perception of reality. Therefore, when the brain is provided with fabricated information, it can change our perception of reality. In other words, our perceptions are deceived as if what we see is reality.
How Does Virtual Reality Work?
Currently, VR headsets accept input from two different sources: it can come from an HDMI cable connected to a PC or console or it can also be a smartphone. The former applies to headsets such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, while the second is used with Google Daydream and Samsung Gear VR headsets or the more popular version is the Google Virtual Box which is made of cardboard and lenses. You can also connect other devices - such as head and hand tracking, controllers, and voice input - to your VR headset.
Once you are ready to use your VR headset, here's what happens in it:
When you use VR, there will be one or two screens per eye that receive two feeds, as well as an autofocus lens that is positioned between the headset screen and your eye which can also be adjusted depending on eye movement and position. Its function is to perform image focusing and reshaping for each eye and tilt the two 2D images to produce a stereoscopic 3D image that mimics the way our eyes perceive the real world.
Some VR headsets have a minimum field of view of 100 or 110 degrees for a more immersive VR experience, which of course will cost more. As for the images produced by this device, a minimum frame rate of 60fps is required to make it convincing without making users feel nauseous.
What is a Virtual Reality Headset?
VR headsets are a form of head-up display (HUD). They allow users to immerse themselves in an imaginary environment through First Person View.
The technology in this VR headset has features such as eye gaze tracking, infrared sensor, gyroscope and accelerometer that naturally moves the user's point of view. Stereo sound (for mobile applications) and surround or 3D can also be applied to this headset. However, VR apps and headsets have had problems developing, with some users experiencing “virtual reality sickness” or VR hangovers, which is a distraction from using VR and the most common symptoms are headache, nausea and vomiting.
Some of the most popular VR headsets on the market today :
- Samsung Gear VR - Gear VR uses Oculus VR technology and is compatible with Galaxy S6, S7, and Note 7 models.
- Oculus Rift - This headset has positioning technology for physical movement in 3D space, as well as a touch controller.
- HoloLens - VR headset made by Microsoft that offers 3D spatial sound, Wi-Fi connectivity, a built-in 120-degree spatial sensing system (which is similar to the camera in the Kinect device), gyroscope, accelerometer, and a transparent screen for both eyes.
- PlayStation VR - As the name suggests, PlayStation VR is compatible with Sony's PlayStation 4 game console which can be controlled using the DualShock 4 PS4 and PlayStation controllers.
What Are The Benefits Of Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality exists in a wide variety of fields, such as entertainment, marketing, education, and medicine, although gaming remains one of the most popular uses for the technology. For example, military forces use VR for flight simulations, battlefields, and vehicles, as well as medical training and virtual training camps. It also helps them reduce training costs and re-create training conditions safely.
VR is widely used in mental health and medical training and is used to treat post-traumatic stress, anxiety, phobias, and depression. in medicine, it can enable apprentices/novices to learn before performing surgeries and other procedures.
In education, VR allows students to interact with each other in 3D environments. Museums, the solar system, and historical time periods that were previously impossible to visit are made possible by this technology. This technology can also encourage children with special needs to practice their social skills.
What Does Virtual Reality Look Like?
Ever wondered what an immersive and incredible environment would be like? The video above is a historical video for recreating the gladiatorial matches at the Roman Colosseum in ancient times. This allows the user to roam around the stadium while learning about its history and how it was made like history.
An example of a sci-fi-themed film that uses the VR concept is the film Ready Player One, which won 1 Oscar and 51 nominations in 2018.
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