Introduction to Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
A protracted, very long time ago in 1998, a series called “VR Man” graced the silver screen in Singapore. VR Man, Singapore’s first superhero – played by 90s heartthrob James Lye – got his name from his primary power: The ability to project ‘Virtual Reality’ objects into the actual world – aka ‘Virping.’ But here’s the thing: by today’s standards, the name ‘VR Man’ would probably have left many confused. Why? Because strictly speaking, his powers can be considered AR or Augmented Reality. Of course, ‘AR Man’ doesn’t have quite the identical ring to it, huh? Not to say, AR wasn’t a well-liked term in 1998.
What is Virtual Reality?
In 1965, computer scientist Ivan Sutherland articulated the concept of an “ultimate display”, where a head-mounted display could simulate reality to the purpose where one couldn’t differentiate it from actual reality. Three years later, he created the primary such head-mounted display that was connected to a pc. Called the Sword of Damocles, it was suspended from the ceiling and was strapped to the user, who could then view rudimentary computer-generated graphics of wireframe rooms and objects. This was technically the primary attempt at VR. In Sutherland’s own words: “The ultimate display would, in fact, be a room inside which the pc can control the existence of matter. A chair displayed in such a room can be adequate to sit down in. Handcuffs displayed in such a room can be confining, and a bullet displayed in such a room can be fatal. With appropriate programming, such a display could literally be the Wonderland into which Alice walked.”
What is Augmented Reality?
The term was coined in 1990 by a few Boeing researchers who got here up with an idea to exchange the usage of large plywood boards containing wiring instructions for various aircraft being built. They suggested a head-mounted display for construction employees that projected the cable positions onto multipurpose, reusable boards, kickstarting the usage of AR in industrial settings.
Key Differences Between AR and VR
VR immerses users in a very artificial, computer-generated environment. Those goggles are big and clunky for a reason – they cover the user’s entire visual field in order that she or he is transported to a simulated world, complete with interactive elements and environments. On the opposite hand, as a substitute of presenting a very digital environment, AR overlays digital information into the actual world. This enhances the user’s perception of on a regular basis scenes by adding images and videos to their field of view. AR is often experienced through the cameras in mobile devices or specially designed AR glasses.
Real-Life Examples of AR and VR
For starters, there’s a protracted line of VR products within the realm of gaming, reminiscent of the PlayStation VR headset and the Oculus series of headsets for PC gaming. VR can be getting used for higher healthcare outcomes within the medical industry. Surgeons on the George Washington University Hospital within the US use a complicated virtual reality tool to explore a patient’s brain and body before operating. VR headsets have also proven to be effective in diminishing pain and anxiety in patients as they undergo procedures reminiscent of wound cleansing and injections. As for AR, museums have been using the technology to enliven their displays and tell more vivid stories. In 2017, the National Museum of Singapore used AR to offer a way of what the constructing used to appear to be and a few of the exhibits it housed.
The Future of AR and VR
What do sci-fi movies depict after they need to deliver a way that future societies have reached an excellent advanced state of technology? Floating screens that may be manipulated with gestures, a la the hit movie Minority Report! Well, that future may be across the corner judging from this AR laptop that packs a virtual 100-inch screen that may display multiple windows and apps. More recently, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also posted a video on Instagram, teasing VR tech that may turn any flat surface right into a virtual keyboard. With so many players vying to make VR and AR more a component of on a regular basis life, we will make certain that these technologies will proceed advancing.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, technology is ever-changing and hence what counts as VR and AR evolves too. Try to not get caught up in strict definitions, because the lines between VR and AR blur over time. Most importantly, go on the market and rejoice with VR and AR! Nothing beats first-hand experience with a pair of VR goggles or peering through an AR camera lens. You’ll find yourself learning much more about these pieces of technology than what this text can teach you. And then you definitely can start imagining the chances and potential of a digital reality!
