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Virtual reality is a "three-dimensional, computer generated environment" that can be explored and interacted with by a person. Virtual reality enables the person using it to feel as if they are a part of the virtual world. A range of tools are used to create the virtual reality experience that engages all of our senses such as treadmills, gloves, and headsets being the most common. All of these things have to account for our perception and cognition in order to make the experience seem real. A combination of software, hardware, and "sensory synchronicity" come together to create a sense of presence in the virtual reality.
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What exactly is "Reality"?
Everything about reality comes from our senses. We all learn that we have the 5 main senses of sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch, but really it is much more than that. We experience reality through a combination and balance of all of our senses. Sensory information is sent to our brains from each of our senses where it is processed and understood as our reality. Virtual reality comes about when we present our senses with fabricated information which in turn changes our perception of reality. This means that we are presented with a version of reality that isn't truly there, but we perceive it to be real. This is virtual reality, our perception of what is real.
One of the biggest complications with virtual reality is that everything needs to be perfectly synchronized because if even the slightest thing is off, we can tell. For a realistic experience it is important that virtual reality technology takes physiology into account. The human visual field generally includes 180 degrees of vision, including peripheral vision, and it is important that this is accounted for in virtual reality because it wouldn't be realistic without it. If things are out of alignment and aren't synchronized that is when the experience is less than enjoyable because we can become motion sick. The goal of virtual reality is to synchronize all of the senses together perfectly in order to create a sense of presence in which the person truly feels like they are present in the virtual environment.
One of the biggest complications with virtual reality is that everything needs to be perfectly synchronized because if even the slightest thing is off, we can tell. For a realistic experience it is important that virtual reality technology takes physiology into account. The human visual field generally includes 180 degrees of vision, including peripheral vision, and it is important that this is accounted for in virtual reality because it wouldn't be realistic without it. If things are out of alignment and aren't synchronized that is when the experience is less than enjoyable because we can become motion sick. The goal of virtual reality is to synchronize all of the senses together perfectly in order to create a sense of presence in which the person truly feels like they are present in the virtual environment.
Common VR Headsets