Virtual reality (VR) is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person.
VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds.
Virtual Reality’s most immediately-recognizable component is the head-mounted display (HMD).
It makes you think you are actually living inside a completely believable virtual world (one in which, to use the technical jargon, you are partly or fully immersed).
It is two-way interactive: as you respond to what you see, what you see responds to you: if you turn your head around, what you see or hear in VR changes to match your new perspective.
What differentiates VR from an ordinary computer experience is the nature of the input and output.
An ordinary computer uses things like a keyboard, mouse, or speech recognition for input.
VR uses sensors that detect how your body is moving. Where a PC displays output on a screen (or a printer), VR uses two screens (one for each eye), stereo or surround-sound speakers, and perhaps some forms of haptic (touch and body perception) feedback as well.
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Head-mounted display (HMD)
A head-mounted display (HMD) is a type of computer display device or monitor that is worn on the head or is built in as part of a helmet.
It is meant for a total immersion of the user in whatever experience the display is meant for, as it ensures that no matter where the user’s head may turn, the display is positioned right in front of the user’s eyes.
Some models have real-world applications such as part of the heads-up display used in special weapon systems such as in airplanes and helicopters.
Dataglove
A dataglove is an input device that is essentially a glove worn on the hand that contains various electronic sensors that monitor the hand’s movements and transform them into a form of input.
Some datagloves enable tactile sensing, allowing the user to seemingly feel a virtual object and to apply fine-motion control.
Applications of Virtual Reality
VR can be applied in Education, Marketing, Medicine, Gaming, and Entertainment.
Education
Virtual Reality can be an amazing tool for learning. However, going by the nature of most schools in Nigeria, It would be Costly to Implement.
Howbeit, should we find it a trend, its utilization will be centered on the following:
Virtual Excursion
A Simulated Environment of Places such as Beach, Zoos, and Reserve Parks can be achieved with VR.
Students can be Positioned to Explore and Interact with Objects in this environment in such a way that their perception would be as if it were real. Thus, they would have a facilitated understanding of what they encounter.
Skills Development
Simulations can assist students in honing their skills, as well as learning practical skills. They won’t be affected by whatever negative outcomes their actions may cause.
An experiment carried out by Google’s Daydream labs found that people who got VR training learned faster and better than those who were merely shown video tutorials. The interactive learning experiment was aimed at teaching coffee making, and students were either shown a YouTube tutorial on how to pull espresso shots or allowed to practice it in VR.
After training for as long as they liked, the students from both groups were asked to make coffee in the real world.
The students who learned with VR made fewer mistakes and were quicker at pulling the espresso shots than those who watched the video tutorials.
Distance learning
Classes can be Simulated, and therein, Lessons taught. The Environment can be set up in such a way that Students get to ask question, perform class activities, and engage in group study.
Through this approach, the student can attend classes right from home.
Marketing
Virtual reality marketing enables brand owners to place their brand image closer to the eyes of consumers.
VR provides values through new business models and offers users an immersive experience that allows them to connect with a product in a new way.
Medicine
Virtual reality can be used for diagnosis and simulation. It can also be used to train doctors, paramedics and other medical personnel.
Surgeons can use latest versions of virtual reality glasses to interact in a three-dimensional space with the organ that requires surgical treatment, view it from any desired angle and able to switch between 3D view and the real CT images.
Mobile VR helps to investigate social interactions with autistic kids by including virtual characters.
Wearable tech can be used with individuals with autism to navigate virtual situations and help them develop life skills that can lead to independent living.
Gaming
Players get to experience the environment of their game. They can perform moves with their hands as long as the dataglove is on.
Examples of Virtual Reality Games are:
Entertainment
Virtual Reality can be used to simulate art galleries and museums. It can also be used by singers to rehearse with the full stage experience. Also, prior to stage acting, actors and actresses can use VR to hone their skills.
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