101: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Virtual Reality (VR)

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulation process which is responsible for position tracking and 3D near-eye display to give the viewer a realistic view of the virtual world. 

Virtual Reality can also be defined as an environment which is controlled by a computer, where users can consume content, can enjoy the view looking realistic, can feel the hearing, physical and emotional feelings and excitement in real life. 

History of Virtual Reality: 

Antonim Artaud, known as a french dramatist, poet, actor and instructor used the word “Virtual Reality” in his book “The Theatre and Its Double” which was published in 1938. 

Later on, Damien Broderick used the word “Virtual Reality” in his book “The Judas Mandala” which was published in 1982. 

In 1961, Morton L. Heligue showed “Virtual Reality” for the first time with a machine known as Sensorama Simulator. But this machine didn’t have any relation with computers. 

The concept of “Modern Virtual Reality” was developed in 1980. In 1984, Jaron Lanier started doing research on “Virtual Reality” in his VPL research corporation and this research is responsible for today’s Virtual Reality. This institute was situated in California, USA. 

Brief description about virtual reality:

Virtual reality has applications in entertainment (especially video games), education (such as medical or military training), and business (such as online meetings). 

Other different types of VR-style technologies include augmented reality and mixed reality, sometimes known as extended reality or XR, although definitions are constantly changing due to the age of the user.

Actually it is not real but we as human beings will think that it is the real world. However, the growing real sense of science fiction is called virtual reality.

It is called VR in short form. Virtual reality is developed generally on computer technology and by using simulation theory.

Elements of Virtual Reality:

1. 1. Head Mounted Display – HMD: 

A Head-Mounted Display (HMD) is a necessary  component of Virtual Reality (VR), serving as a connection between the digital environment and the user’s senses. 

In simple terms, an HMD is a wearable device that consists of a display unit placed on the user’s head, which is sometimes supported by a headband or straps to achieve an ideal fit. 

Its principal goal is to take viewers in a computer-generated environment, offering a visually stimulating and engaging experience.

2. 2. Data Glove: 

A data glove is a wearable input device that finds out and transmits hand movements and gestures into the virtual world of Virtual Reality (VR). 

The new technology promotes interaction between users by allowing humans to manage and control digital objects in virtual reality worlds using natural hand movements.

3. 3. Bodysuit:

      A Virtual Reality  bodysuit is an electronic product which improves the Virtual Reality (VR) experience by allowing users to feel sensations and feedback all over their body. 

These suits are outfitted with an array of sensors and actuators strategically arranged to imitate various tactile sensations, creating a more realistic and authentic connection with the virtual environment.

4. 4. High quality audio system: 

Within the world of Virtual Reality, a high quality audio system is very important for creating a fully genuine and acceptable VR experience. 

VR audio systems use specific software and hardware that can imitate spatialized sound, which allows users to hear sounds and settings in a three-dimensional environment. 

There are some features of a high quality VR audio system which are discussed below: 

1. 1. Head Related Transfer Function(HRTF):

HRTF is used to copy the exact shape and elements of the human ear impact the way that we can understand sound. 

By adding customized HRTF data, VR audio systems could give a more accurate and customized audio experience.

2. 2. Binaural Audio:

      Binaural Audio techniques use two microphones to make a 3D stereo sound sensation for the listener. 

When built into VR, it enhances the awareness of directionality and depth of the virtual audio environment. 

5. 5. Reality engine: 

A “Reality Engine” in VR might refer to a software or hardware system that generates and renders the virtual worlds within a VR experience.

6. 6. Various types of sensors: 

There are different types of sensor in VR. They are: 

1. 1. Accelerators 

1. 1. Gyroscopes

1. 1. Magnetometers

1. 1. Inertial Measurement Units

1. 1. Light Sensors

1. 1. Proximity Sensors 

1. 1. Positional Tracking Systems 

1. 1. Depth Sensors 

1. 1. Biometric Sensors 

1. 1. Eye tracking sensors

7. 7. Various simulation, modeling and graphics software etc: 

There are different types of simulation in VR. They are: 

1. 1. Unity 3D

1. 1. Unreal Engine 

1. 1. Blender 

1. 1. Autodesk Maya

1. 1. SketchUp

1. 1. Tilt Brush 

1. 1. Gravity Sketch 

1. 1. Substance Painter 

1. 1. Simulink 

1. 1. Simscale 

1. 1. Vizard 

1. 1. VRToolKit

Components by which VR is created:

• • Effector: Effector is a device which is used in virtual reality. It helps to connect the user to a virtual environment. 

• • Reality Simulator: It’s a type of hardware which gives information to the effector. For example: different types of sensors, high quality audio and video systems, reality engines etc. 

• • Application: Various types of simulated software are used to make virtual environments. For example: a division made of Autodesk, which is generally used in PCs with Intel processors.

• • Geometry: Geometry is the data about external properties of different objects in the virtual environment. For example: After the creation of 3D models used in virtual reality by the Autodesk 3D Studio Max or Maya software. These files are exported into virtual reality for visualization and writing. 

Advantages of Virtual Reality: 

• • Prevents unnecessary incidents.

• • There is no possibility of accidents.

• • Prevents Environmental pollution

• • Makes risky work riskless

Disadvantages of Virtual Reality: 

• • It is injurious to health

• • Depression increases

• • Aversion to the real world is created

• • Can be used in flight training, driving training

• • Can be used to train the soldiers

• • Can be used in Special Helmet

• • Can be used to train doctors 

• • It is expensive 

• • Social isolation

• • Not available to everyone

• • Concerns related to ethics

• • Possibility of Addiction

• • Lack of teachers who knows how VR works

Conclusion:

To summarize, entering into the fascinating world of Virtual Reality (VR) may be a thrilling adventure, and this beginner’s guide gave an overview of its major components. 

As we’ve covered the fundamentals, it’s obvious that VR is not just a technological innovation, but a revolutionary force transforming how we engage with virtual places.