Introduction of VR

Introduction

What is the virtual reality?

It is a kind of computer graphic information technology that can create and experience the virtual world; the virtual reality can use a computer to create a virtual environment. Virtual reality (VR) mainly includes simulation environment, sensory perception, sensing devices, etc. The simulation environment is dynamic 3D vivid images created by the computer. Sensory perception means that the VR should have all the perception of human beings, including the visual perception, auditory sense, tactile sense, force sense, sports, smell, taste, etc. As a new technology, the virtual reality has mainly two features, immersion, and interactivity.

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Immersion means that the use of 3D images generated by computer let a person in a virtual environment, which is just like an objective real world that can give a person a kind of immersive feeling.

Interactivity means that the user can use some sensing devices to interact, seeming to be in the objective real world. For example, when a user grabs the object in a virtual environment with the hand, the user can feel the weight and shape of the object.

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The key technology

As a combination of various techniques, virtual reality includes 3D computer graphics technique, stereo display technology, body tracking technology, as well as feedback technology of physical sense/force sense, radio technology, and speech recognition technology.

• 3D computer graphics technique: to use the computer graphics capability to produce high-quality virtual models and images.
• Body tracking technology: to use head devices to confirm the user coordinate and view direction. For example, the user can determine the direction by the motion of the head and eyes.
• Feedback technology of physical sense/force sense: to use the vibration of gloves or handles to feedback the user physical sense.
• Stereo technology: to use different positions and sound sources to record a full range of voice.
• Speech recognition technology: a VR system requires language identification ability and communication ability.

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Mashable(Apr,2014) What Is Virtual Reality & How Does It Work? | Mashable Explains Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBNH8tzsfVM

The History of Virtual Reality

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Most people think virtual reality is an advancing technological concept; however, the conception of virtual reality has proposed in early 19th century. In 1838, Charles Wheatstone reported that using stereoscope’s principle and application to let the user have a sense of depth and immersion when the user watched videos and images throughthe stereoscope.   

 Charles Wheatstone(1802-1875)

Unfortunately, the science and technology were not advanced developing at that time; consequently, the conception of virtual reality didn’t have good enough development and acceptation in the early 19 century.

In the 20th century, with the rapid development of science and technology, computer technology had been widely used. Scientist began to realize that virtual reality would become modern technological skills and products shortly, some professional companies developed and produced new VR devices in the 20th century.

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However, early VR devices are not very successful. Because the systems of virtual reality are not complete and size of hardware is cumbersome, the users couldn’t have good experience from first VR devices. Some technological companies had to stop their productions briefly at that time; therefore, virtual reality gradually fades out people’s attention and market.

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Until 2010, Oculus VR Company re-designed the systems and hardware, and it announced First Oculus Rift project, the virtual reality once again into people’s attention. Today, virtual reality has become a concept of public recognition. Many intentional companies already have enough abilities to produce their VR devices, and most VR devices have a relatively sophisticated system Such as HTC Vibe, Sony PSVR, Oculus Rift, and Samsung Geer VR. In the near further, more people will widely use VR devices in diverse areas, and virtual reality may lead a scientific and technical revolution.

GameSpot(Nov,2014) History of Virtual Reality - Reality Check Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43mA_ypfwKg

The Timeline of Virtual Reality

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The developmental history of virtual reality can be seen as four stages in general.

The first stage: the virtual reality assumption is put forward 

The second stage: the technology potential of virtual reality 

The third stage: the concept generation and initial theory formation for virtual reality 

The fourth stage: further perfection and application of virtual reality theory 

Resource

Dr. Brian Jackson, PhD(June,2015).What is Virtual Reality? [Definition and Examples] Retrieved from http://www.marxentlabs.com/what-is-virtual-reality-definition-and-examples/

Virtual Reality Society (2016) History Of Virtual Reality .

Retrieved from http://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality/history.html

Henry E. Lowood(May,2015)virtual world, VR Retrieved from  

https://www.britannica.com/technology/virtual-reality

Jonathan Strickland (2015) How Virtual Reality Works  Retrieved from 
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/virtual-reality.htm

Video

GameSpot(Nov,2014) History of Virtual Reality - Reality Check Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43mA_ypfwKg

Mashable(Apr,2014) What Is Virtual Reality & How Does It Work? | Mashable Explains Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBNH8tzsfVM