Things You Need To Know About Virtual Reality

-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

1. 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.
2. 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.   
3. VR is used to create 3D models of buildings or roads or streets. Thus enabling in real life visualization of architecture & urban planning.
4. This technology is used by automobile companies to create 3D designs of cars and 3D environments to test these car models.
5. VR helps in creating virtual environments for training different space programs, military programs or medical practices.
6. 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. 
   
7. 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.
8. 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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