Definition | Virtual reality – VR – Virtual reality

Virtual reality (in English, virtual reality or VR) is a technology that allows you to immerse a person in a digitally created artificial world. It should not be confused with augmented reality (see in this regard our file on the augmented reality and its applications).

It can be a reproduction of the real world or a universe totally imaginary. The experience is both visual, auditory and, in some cases, haptic with the production of a return of effects. When the person is equipped with the appropriate interfaces, such as gloves or clothing, he may then experience certain sensations related to touch or certain actions (blow, impact …).

Virtual reality headsets

This immersion is done by means of a virtual reality headset which places a stereoscopic 3D display system on the nose, In front of eyes. Some models are equipped with sensors who detect movements of the head to allow the user to look around. The images are then recalculated in real time to synchronize with the direction of the look.

Virtual reality rooms

There are also virtual reality rooms in which the images are projected on the walls, the floor and the ceiling with a motion capture system which is used to adjust the perspective according to the movements.

Virtual reality and its applications: ehealth games, simulators…

Virtual reality for the general public experienced a boom from 2015 with the arrival of headsets that are both more efficient and affordable. Google played the democratization card by proposing a cardboard model called Carboard which is used with a smartphone as a display system. Several manufacturers including Samsung (Gear VR), HTC (HTC Vive), Sony (PlayStation VR) and Oculus ((Oculus Rift) released helmets fitted with motion sensors mainly intended for ehealth games and applications recreational. More expensive, they are smart health connected to a computer or a game console.

Virtual reality also has many other applications: training with simulators, processing phobias, simulation of surgical procedures, architecture, archeology with the reconstruction of sites, virtual visits to museums, etc.

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