Virtual Reality Technology is a computer technology that uses Virtual reality headsets or multi-projected environments, sometimes in combination with physical spaces, to generate realistic images, sounds and other sensations that simulate a user’s physical presence in a virtual or imaginary environment.
A person using virtual reality equipment is able to “look around” the artificial world, and with high quality VR move about in it and interact with virtual features or items.
The effect is commonly created by VR headsets consisting of head-mounted goggles with a screen in front of the eyes or through specially designed spaces with multiple large screens
Its History
1950s – Morton Heilig’s Sensorama
In the mid 1950s cinematographer Morton Heilig developed the Sensorama (patented 1962) which was an arcade-style theatre cabinet that would stimulate all the senses, not just sight and sound. It featured stereo speakers, a stereoscopic 3D display, fans, smell generators and a vibrating chair.
1961 – Comeu & Bryan’s Headsight
In 1961, two Philco Corporation engineers (Comeau & Bryan) developed the first precursor to the HMD as we know it today – the Headsight. It incorporated a video screen for each eye and a magnetic motion tracking system, which was linked to a closed circuit camera. Headsight was the first step in the evolution of the VR head mounted display but it lacked the integration of computer and image generation.
Latest Developments
All modern VR displays are based on technology developed for smartphones including: gyroscopes and motion sensors for tracking head, hand, and body positions; small HD screens for stereoscopic displays; and small, lightweight and fast processors. These components led to relative affordability for independent VR developers, and lead to the 2012 Oculus Rift kickstarter offering the first independently developed VR headset
Virtual Worlds
Virtual worlds combine the power of 3D graphics and the internet, giving users the ability to create new versions of themselves literally within a virtual world.
Second Life, arguably the most popular of these games, has seen massive successes, which includes creating millionaires out of some of their long-time and most dedicated players. This is made possible by their own currency and exchange rates.
Virtual worlds have become so popular, laws have been extended to include property acquired on them.
Input Devices
In a similar thread of thought, modern input devices have been massively influenced by virtual reality and may become the corner stone of further virtual reality developments. Some of these include:
Microsoft’s Kinect – This device uses a camera to track a player’s movements, which are then reflected in-game.
Wii Controls – The Wii, mostly due to its controls, took the world by storm. Using a controller, which can be latched to the hand, movement becomes a form of input.
The Rational Geek 