-Partiti Nath & Sona Jain
What
is Virtual Reality?
Virtual
reality, term seems self-contradictory. You
might think how can something that is virtual - be a reality? VR is a computer
based technology where a real or an imagined world is duplicated and allows a
person to interact with its surrounding environment. A virtual world is created
which looks real and very much closer to reality. The latest technology
involves graphics displayed on HD stereoscopic display screens coupled with
enhanced stereo speakers & headphones enabled for VR users. Majority of
them function by stimulating sensory and tactile receptors- thereby making the
experience seem like a reality. It creates a virtual 3-dimensional world where
the user can explore and feel the environment like it’s real. It’s like giving firsthand
knowledge of places or things before you can actually experience them.
For
example: How would you like if you could walk through a city or country before
going on a vacation? You could experience tunnels, roads, water-bodies and mountains
through VR that will change according to your sensation. This 3D world has life
size images and objects which are sensitive to your body, that is, they are
flexible to change according to your eye movements or tactile stimulation. This virtual reality system creates a feeling of being a part of a world or experience
and enables the user to interact with the environment. This immersion and
interactivity is known as telepresence.
According
to computer scientist Jonathan Steuer this immersion has 2 components: depth
of information (resolution, graphics etc. of the images) and breadth
of information (visual and audio which affects the sensory and tactile
stimulus). This feedback sensory stimulus is the haptic system.
The Equipment Used
The
gear used today has evolved quite a lot. It isn’t restricted to 3D glasses and equipment. Technology has advanced so much that now you can get haptic system
enabled foot wears, clothes and other articles for visual reality. A few of the gadgets are Oclus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, Sulon Q, Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard and many more. Scientists and programmers have started using
Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML),X3D, Collaborative Design Activity (COLLADA) etc which enables people to
maneuver between different virtual landscapes and interchange/exchange files in
virtual reality space.
Utility
of Virtual Reality
- The most prominent field of VR utility is gaming, film and television industry. Earlier it was only restricted to video games like those played on PlayStation. With the onset of animation films, VR utility has become a boon. In films like avatar, inception, matrix etc where a perceptive illusion world is created, VR played a crucial role.
- For heritage restoration and archaeology VR is extensively used to monitor areas which otherwise can’t be explored without destroying artifacts. For example: for mapping the underground Stonehenge area in Wiltshire, UK.
- VR is used to create 3D models of buildings or roads or streets. Thus enabling in real life visualization of architecture & urban planning.
- This technology is used by automobile companies to create 3D designs of cars and 3D environments to test these car models.
- VR helps in creating virtual environments for training different space programs, military programs or medical practices.
- Doctors specially surgeons use VR to visualize the exact operation model before a surgery. They can test various
robotic devices before going onto actual surgeries.
- They can be used to treat different phobias like height or water- by enabling patients to face them in a virtual world. The advantage of this is, it occurs in a controlled manner and the patients are easier to handle.
- Libraries and Museums can employ VR to create 3D interactive programs- like an interactive tour through the museum or a visual reading of a sci-fi novel.
The
Indian Scenario
According
to a TOI report from CES 2016 Las Vegas Convention, VR is the next big thing.
This is going to be the year of Virtual Reality. South-east Asia, along with
India is a potential market. The main
concern in India is pricing and non-availability of educated users. So far VR is restricted to gaming and
high-ventured films in India. Theaters and gaming zones have them. PlayStations are widely available. India today has VR enabled mobile devices and mobile
accessories. Various
advanced VR devices OCULUS rift, HTC vive, Project Morpheus [PlayStation VR], largely remains
unavailable in the Indian market.
Overall, VR is here to stay. India being a diverse country with rich heritage, population, flora & fauna, ever demanding healthcare sector and an entertainment crazy nation; VR is of prominent importance to us.
Virtual Reality in Chennai
Our own city (Chennai)
will soon be getting its first ever virtual reality experience – Kaleidozone,
which aims to create all-in-one system that delivers an interactive and
immersive experience. By combining the latest advancements in immersive
head mounted displays, controllers,
motion capture systems and real time 3D engines. Kaleidozone delivers human
experience with limitless potentials. The team has more than
75 years of collective experience as business owners, technologists and game
developers, who are looking at tapping the amusement industry in India which is
poised to grow from $375 million to $811 million by 2020. (Source: Business
India report on growth of Amusement Industry quoting IAAPI)
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