Virtual reality

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that allows you to immerse yourself in a digitally created artificial world. It should not be confused with augmented reality (see in this regard our file on augmented reality and its applications).

It can be a reproduction of the real world or a totally imaginary universe. The experience is visual, auditory and, in some cases, haptic with the production of feedback effects. When the person is equipped with the appropriate interfaces, such as gloves or clothing, she can then experience certain sensations related to touch or certain actions (blow, impact ...).

Virtual reality ©  Pixaline 

Virtual reality helmets

This immersion is done using a virtual reality headset that places a stereoscopic 3D display system on the nose, in front of the eyes. Some models are equipped with sensors that detect the movements of the head to allow the user to look around. The images are then recalculated in real time to synchronize with the direction of gaze.

Virtual reality rooms

There are also virtual reality rooms in which images are projected onto the walls, floor and ceiling with a motion capture system that is used to adjust the perspective according to the movements.

Virtual reality and its applications: video games, simulators ...

Virtual reality for the general public has seen a boom since 2015 with the arrival of helmets that are both more efficient and affordable. Google has played the card of democratization by proposing a cardboard model called Carboard that is used with a smartphone as a display system. Several manufacturers including Samsung (Gear VR), HTC (HTC Vive), Sony (PlayStation VR) and Oculus (Oculus Rift) have released headsets with motion sensors mainly for video games and recreational applications. More expensive, they are connected to a computer or game console.

Virtual reality also has many other applications: training with simulators, treatment of phobias, simulation of surgical acts, architecture, archeology with the reconstruction of sites, virtual visits to museums, etc.