What is virtual reality?

The Virtual Reality or in the abbreviated form VR by means of computer technology creates an environment of scenes and objects that make the user who is in that moment have sensations of being in that world; This environment and objects are created by devices such as glasses and virtual reality helmets and makes the user believe that he is in that environment; Thanks to virtual reality (VR) we can enter more to the video games because you can enter your character and have an awareness of them and incidentally we can do sports because with glasses or virtual reality helmets through the games when we move also moves the character.

Virtual reality (VR) is an environment of real-looking scenes or objects. The most common meaning refers to an environment generated by computer technology, which creates in the user the feeling of being immersed in it. This environment is viewed by the user through a device known as glasses. This may be accompanied by other devices, such as gloves or special suits, which allow greater interaction with the environment.

Types of virtual reality

There are 4 types of virtual realities, which are as follows:

Immersive virtual reality: This type of virtual reality makes people perceive that they are inside virtual reality, being in a world or planet artificially generated, as they are created by computer systems and for a user to be in this world requires the use of some devices, an example can be the VR and motion suits. Thanks to these devices they capture our movements and represent it in the virtual reality environment.

Non-immersive virtual reality: This type of virtual reality is also known as desktop virtual reality, it is a kind of navigation, in which only two devices are used which are the computer and the cell phone, this type of virtual reality is the best known, its function is for a computer screen or cell phone.

Semi-inverse virtual reality: This type of virtual reality goes in halves the first half is the physical or real world and the other half is the virtual world, this reality works a lot to know how things may be in the future as buildings that are beginning to be built are used mainly when you need the user to be in contact with elements of the physical world.

Augmented reality: This type of virtual reality is considered as a way to expand the real world and interact in real time, augmented reality is mostly used to identify the different components of an engine or to mark routes. The devices that are used are GPS, security cameras, gyrocopter, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of virtual reality

✔It allows for a better or more thorough examination of facts and details. It is an ally in criminalistics.

✔Virtual reality can be used for educational processes.

✔It has been demonstrated that it can be applied to dozens of areas. One of the most significant advantages is in the area of medicine.

✔It is the user who has almost total control of the virtual environment.

✔It can contribute to people making better decisions or having a better way to solve problems.

✔They stimulate interaction.

✔Can produce sensory disorientation.

✔It is common to have high costs in its development, as well as in its maintenance. It also requires investment in terms of hardware and software.

✔In some cases, deficiency in the interface between programs and users is reported.

✔The idea of escapism is under debate. That is, people with psychological problems may use virtual reality to escape from reality.

✔Training through virtual reality does not have the same characteristics as training in the real world. This could affect people's performance in the workplace.

Innovative ideas

Virtual reality for meditation
Virtual reality is used in daily life to meditate, so that people can find a moment of disconnection. This has been possible thanks to the development of various applications, which allow users to reduce their level of anxiety. They also help people with generalized health disorder (GAD) in particular.

Application in medicine

Its use in medicine is becoming quite common, as doctors find that diagnoses can be more accurate. It is in this area that it has made the most marked advances. Its use ranges from offering greater precision in surgeries to the treatment of phobias and psychological trauma. In addition, virtual reality is used to simulate medical formulas.

Among the examples of virtual reality in medicine is that the Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, uses this technology for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). On the other hand, in the United States, they have designed a video game called Virtual Reality Pain Reduction, which helps to reduce pain and its intensity.

A new way to enjoy movies?

With the massification of virtual reality glasses, the movie industry began to move to offer a much more immersive experience. It is an idea that is still under study, but there is already talk of what we will see in the future in movie theaters. From Hollywood to Google are working tirelessly to make this a reality.

Although it may take years to see it consolidated because it means a change in the whole production scheme of a film, from the equipment to be used to recreate much larger scenes. Let's remember that with virtual reality the user is the one who decides where to focus his attention.

Virtual reality in education

The possibilities of virtual reality in education have a lot of potential. Among its advantages are that students can learn better and much faster. Likewise, it is excellent for them to carry out their practical work, especially for medical students.
Among the virtual reality applications applied to education is Anatomyou VR. This app allows you to learn human anatomy. The experience is so immersive that you will feel like a kind of endoscope. There are also much more didactic options, such as VR Lessons by ThingLink. This app is designed for children. They can learn different topics from literature and history to art.

Virtual in video games

It is common to associate the term virtual reality with the video game industry. This is because that is where it has had the greatest performance in recent years. The target audience in this sector is willing to invest in VR equipment. Hence, companies compete to develop the best products and games.

Games like Resident Evil 7 are quite popular among teenagers and adults. This video game can involve you on an incredible level, to the point that the player feels like the real protagonist. Recently at Gamescom Opening Night Live, the release of Medal of Honor: above and beyond was announced. This game is based on virtual reality and promises to make you discover incredible scenarios of the Second World War.

INNOVATIVE USES OF VIRTUAL REALITY

Gastronomy

Now we can virtually travel to different places and immerse ourselves in certain environments while tasting the dishes.

Medicine

The Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) has managed to reduce the effects of Parkinson's disease in several patients by applying a VR treatment.

Media and communications

Immersive journalism transports the user to the scene of events with 360° videos broadcast live via streaming.

Education

In classrooms, the use of VR enables students to retain knowledge better and helps students with learning difficulties.

Entertainment

Users can enter the video game scene and practice extreme sports without leaving their couch.

Architecture

VR helps architects to better conceive the space and present the project to clients.

Industry

Digital Twins are digital twins of physical objects with which factory operators can practice and test in a virtual world.

Culture / Art

Some museums and galleries offer virtual tours or immersive experiences to help understand the history and culture associated with each work.

Military

UK Ministry of Defense uses VR to train military in simulated combat environments.